“Guacopary” (Garcinia guacopary S. Moore) (ultra rare!)

Description

NOTE: these Garcinia sp. seeds are very difficult to find!

Introducing Pacurí: The Indigenous Fruit, “Beso de Miel”

Customer feedback

“I want to say that I got near a hundred percent germination with the Pacurí. You can quote me if it helps the next time you list these.”
— Zach George, CRISP Farms (New Orleans, USA)

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Origin & Distribution

• Argentina – Misiones

• IGU (Iguazú)

• SIG (Selva Interior Guaranítica)

• Altitude: 0–500 m

Native to the Atlantic Forest region of northeastern Argentina, this species has a restricted natural distribution and is rarely encountered in cultivation.

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Taxonomic Notes & Identification

This material has been identified as Garcinia guacopary (S. Moore) M. Nee by a renowned Argentine botanical expert.

Garcinia guacopary is often confused with Garcinia brasiliensis, but differs notably by:

• More ovoid to oblong fruits

• Generally larger fruit size

• More restricted geographic range

These differences are consistent and well recognized in regional botany.

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Seed Behavior & Special Notes

• Seeds germinate very quickly

• In some cases, seeds may arrive already sprouting

• Due to their recalcitrant nature, seeds do not store well and should be planted immediately upon arrival

Pacurí has also shown potential as a rootstock for Achachairú (Garcinia humilis), making it of interest to collectors and breeders.

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Harvest Indicator

⚠️ Important: Fruits must be harvested when fully orange.
Yellow fruits are immature and should be left on the tree longer.

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Botanical Characteristics

Pacurí is a highly adaptable species with variable growth habits:

• Shrub form (2–4 m) in open, sunny conditions

• Tree form (6–20 m) under forest or partial shade

• Dense, rounded canopy in full sun

• Trunk exudes abundant yellow latex when wounded

• Leaves are lanceolate to oblong, with short petioles

• Flowers appear solitary or in small clusters

• Fruits are berry-like, rounded to oblong, with smooth skin

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Cultivation & Climate

Garcinia guacopary thrives in tropical to subtropical climates, showing greater adaptability than many other Garcinia species.

• Optimal temperature: 20–30 °C

• Tolerates mild cool periods once established

• Does not tolerate hard frost

• Performs best with regular rainfall or irrigation

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Soil Preferences

• Well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter

• Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or light clay soils

• Avoid permanently waterlogged conditions

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Planting & Maintenance

• Spacing: 5 × 5 m

• Prepare planting holes 2–3 months in advance

• Amend with compost, bone meal, and wood ash

• Mulch with ~10 cm of dry grass to retain moisture

• Light winter pruning for structure and sanitation

• Organic fertilization in late autumn supports vigor and fruiting

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Uses

Fruiting occurs from October to December.
When fully ripe (deep orange), the fruit is pleasantly sweet with mild acidity, becoming noticeably more enjoyable than when harvested early. Immature yellow fruits are bland and should be left on the tree until full coloration develops.

Traditionally, the fruit may also be consumed fresh with sugar, especially when slightly underripe.

Beyond its edible value, Pacurí is:

• An excellent ornamental tree

• Suitable for orchards, agroforestry, and reforestation

• A meaningful native species for biodiversity conservation

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Conclusion

Pacurí (Garcinia guacopary) is far more than a fruit tree:
it represents cultural heritage, ecological importance, and botanical rarity.

A truly special species for collectors, growers, and conservation-minded gardeners.