Description
Algrizea macrochlamys “Bico Doce” — A Botanical Treasure from Bahia
Discover Algrizea macrochlamys, an extraordinary little-known member of the Myrtaceae family native to the highlands of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. Known locally as Bico Doce, this small fruiting shrub is of particular interest to rare-fruit growers and botanical collectors.
Small Fruits, Remarkably Sweet Flavor
The mature fruits are approximately 1 cm across, rounded, and a beautiful deep wine-purple. The original botanical study cites field observations describing them as very sweet and juicy. Each fruit commonly holds two or three small, distinctively curved seeds.
A Fascinating Botanical History
This species puzzled botanists for more than a century, having previously been assigned to Myrcia, Myrtus, and Psidium. Detailed study of its fruits, seeds, and unusually structured embryo led to the recognition of the genus Algrizea in 2006. Only two species of this genus are currently accepted by Kew.
Origin and Growth
- Family: Myrtaceae.
- Native range: Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil.
- Habitat: Rocky upland vegetation, including Cerrado and Campo Rupestre environments, with recorded collections approximately 550–1,200 m above sea level.
- Habit: Small shrub, approximately 1–2.5 m tall.
- Fruit: Tiny, dark wine-purple, reported to be very sweet and juicy.
Growers should regard this as a collector species with limited published cultivation information. Seed germination performance and frost tolerance have not been established for this particular lot. We recommend sowing fresh seeds promptly in a well-drained medium and maintaining even moisture without waterlogging.
November 2026 Pre-Sale
One unit = one seed. This is a pre-sale for a fresh November collection; the seeds are not yet available for immediate dispatch from the USA. Orders will be prepared only after the batch reaches our US fulfillment partner and passes applicable inspections and procedures. Shipping dates and germination are not guaranteed.
Botanical references: Proença et al. (2006), Systematic Botany 31:320–326; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plants of the World Online.
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