Arazá grande (Psidium robustum)

Description

Introducing Big Arazá Seeds: Unveiling Nature’s Treasure

Origin and Significance: Big Arazá, derived from the Tupi Guarani words “ARÁ” (fruit) and “eçá” (eyes), pays homage to its persistent sepals resembling eyelashes. Also known as Araçá Açu do sertão, Araçá da areia, and Aração de Minas Gerais, this species is endemic to the cerrado and rocky fields of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It can also be found in gallery forests (along streams) or in areas with moist soil.

Observations: A rare and lesser-known species, the Big Arazá is characterized by robust leaves, trunk, and fruits, as its scientific name suggests. Discovered during expeditions in 2018 in the mountains of Ibitipoca, MG, Brazil by Helton Josué.

Characteristics: This evergreen tree typically reaches heights of 2 to 5 meters, featuring multiple, bifurcated trunks with a rounded, elongated canopy. The bark is crinkled and grayish-brown, peeling to reveal a silvery-yellow hue. The leaves are simple, opposite, leathery, and obovate, with a thick petiole measuring 7 to 13 mm in length. The flowers are fragrant, white, and measure 2.5 cm in diameter, while the fruits are rounded berries, 4 to 5 cm in diameter, with yellow skin and a deep crown at the apex. The pulp is white, sweet, and slightly acidic, encasing 8 to 12 cream-colored seeds.

Cultivation Tips: Big Arazá is easy to cultivate, thriving in various climates and soil types. It can be grown from sea level to 1000 m altitude, preferring annual rainfall between 600 to 1800 mm and relative humidity ranging from 35 to 75%. Ideal soil types include sandy cambisols, latosols, or any well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. Despite its origin in warm climates, the plant withstands temperatures as low as -3°C and prolonged droughts of 6 to 7 months without rain. It typically begins fruiting 3 to 4 years after planting.

Seeds and Planting: Seeds, similar in size to pigeon peas, should be harvested from ripe fruits, washed, and sun-dried for 5 hours. They can be stored for up to 2 years in opaque packaging, retaining 60% germination capacity. Plant seeds immediately in individual bags or seedbeds filled with a mixture of sifted red soil, compost, and crushed, sifted dry leaf litter. Keep soil moist for germination, which occurs within 35 to 55 days. Transplant seedlings to shaded areas for 3 months post-germination, then gradually expose them to full sun.

Planting: Plant Big Arazá in full sun at a spacing of 5 x 5 meters. Prepare planting holes measuring 50 cm in all dimensions, amending the top 30 cm of soil with sand, organic matter, and leaf litter, and allowing it to mature for 2 months. The best planting season is from October to January, with regular irrigation post-planting, especially in sandy or well-drained soils.

Cultivation: This moderate grower requires minimal care, with periodic weeding and formative pruning recommended. Apply organic compost and N-P-K 10-10-10 fertilizer annually around the base of the plant. Big Arazá is highly resistant to pests and diseases.

Uses: Fruiting from March to July at Brazil, the fruits are wonderful when consumed fresh: they taste like pear+guava+pinneaple. The tree’s evergreen foliage and compact size make it suitable for urban landscaping under power lines, while its attractive trunk and white flowers enhance small gardens, attracting beautiful birds. Additionally, Big Arazá is invaluable for reforestation projects, providing sustenance for wildlife and serving as a nectar source for indigenous bees.