Bacuri, Brazil

Bacuri (Platonia insignis, syn. Aristoclesia esculenta) is an ornamental tree, often standing up to 100 feet high, that is native to Brazil, parts of Colombia and northeast to the humid forests of Guyana. It has a pyramidal crown and copious yellow latex in the bark. Its yellowish wood is frequently used as lumber.

The bacuri is also grown for its fruit, which is oval-shaped, with a thick, yellow skin, looking similar to a papaya. The sticky white pulp, which is wrapped around seeds somewhat like a pomegranate, is fragant, with a taste that is both sweet and sour. It contains notable amounts of phosphorus, iron, and vitamin C, and is often made into various condiments and beverages. Bacuri seeds, which are brown and fairly oily, are commonly used as a home remedy to treat skin conditions.

References

• Bakuri