6. Use:  Fruit, medicinal purposes; wood is used in carpentry, matchsticks, tools, pencils, packing cases, fuel, carving, and as a substitute for cork; tannin in the bark is used for tanning and dyeing; gum from the tree is used as glue; young leaves are cooked and consumed; trees are used as a living fence; fruit are used as fodder for cattle and pigs; roots contain an emergency supply of water (GRIN, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  005 (FT 0299) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, PLANTS DATABASE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, NAGY, MORTON.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13.
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  SPXMO

1. Monkeyfruit [(monkey-jack, monkey-jack-tree, lakoocha, lakuch (GRIN))]
      Moraceae
      Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham. [(syn:  Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (GRIN))]
2. A medium to large deciduous tree with a spreading crown growing 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) tall.  Native to the humid sub-Himalayan regions of India.  Bark is grey and exudes a milky, sticky latex.  Leaves are large, alternate, leathery, elliptical, pointed, and 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long.  Leaves fall at the beginning of the dry season.  Fragrant flowers occur in spherical heads.  Male flowers are yellow-orange and female flowers are reddish in color.  Male and female flowers occur on separate heads on the same tree.  Fruit is an irregularly rounded syncarp that measures 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) in diameter and weighs 200 to 350 grams (7 to 12 ounces) when ripe.  Fruit turn from green to yellow with a pink tinge to brown when ripe.  The skin is velvety.  Each fruit contains 10 to 30 seeds.  Each seed is 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long, flattened and pointed.  Fruit have a sweet-sour flavor (JANICK, JOSHEE).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Trees flower in April at the end of the dry season in Nepal, and in India, flowering occurs from January to February and again from October to November.  Ripened fruits are collected from the end of June to early August in Nepal and fruit mature 4 months later in India (JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  The tree is found growing along stream banks in protected lowland areas and in the humid sub-Himalayan regions of India.  It prefers deep, moist, permeable soils.  Does not tolerate poor soils and waterlogging.  Young trees tolerate moderate shade, but mature trees grow in full light.  Tolerates a three month dry season, an annual rainfall of 70 to 200 centimeters (28 to 79 inches), an altitiude of 150 to 1,600 meters (492 to 5,249 feet), and a mean annual temperature of 17 to 24 °C (63 to 75 °F).  Young seedlings do not tolerate frost.  The tree is propagated by seeds, cuttings, or stumps.  Seeds should be planted during the monsoon season.  Germination is quick.  Seedlings require shade and irrigation for the first 2 to 3 weeks and should remain in the nursery until the next monsoon season.  Root cuttings should be 5 centimeters (2 inches) long and stem cuttings should be 20 centimeters (8 inches) long (JANICK, JOSHEE).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit and male flowers are consumed raw, boiled, steamed or roasted.  Fruits and flowers are made into pickles and chutney.  Mature fruit are dried and used as a substitute for sour tamarind and mango fruit (JANICK, JOSHEE).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Bark contains tannin (JOSHEE).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  The root is an astringent and is used as a purgative.  It is applied to skin ailments.  Bark is used to treat headaches.  Both bark and fruit are used to treat liver problems.  Bark is consumed to enrich the blood after recovering from exhaustive diseases.  In India, a health drink prepared from mature fruit, black pepper, cumin and sugar is given to women during pregnancy as a digestive and appetizer.  Seeds and latex are used as a purgative (JANICK, JOSHEE).
      g. Crop Photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other production regions:  China, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam; fruit yield can be up to 80 kilograms (176 pounds) per tree and fruit can weigh from 200 to 350 grams (7 to 12 ounces) (GRIN, JANICK).
6. Use:  Fruit, ornamental; erosion prevention along streams and ravines; medicinal purposes; flowers are edible; leaves are used as fodder; wood is termite resistant and is comparable to teak wood; used in house and heavy construction, boat making, cabinet work and furniture; wood and roots yield dye; bark is chewed; bark yields a durable fiber for cordage (GRIN, JANICK, JOSHEE).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, JOSHEE.
11. Production Map:  No entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  ABFLA for the synonym Artocarpus lakoocha

1. Monos plum
      Myrtaceae
      Pseudanamomis umbellulifera (Kunth) Kausel [(syn:  Myrtus umbellulifera Kunth (basionym) (GRIN))]
2. A medium-sized evergreen shrub growing to a height of 5 meters (16 feet).  Native to Venezuela.  Orange to yellow fruit is ellipsoid and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) in diameter.  The skin is smooth and shiny.  The pulp is yellow-orange in color and the flavor is sweet to bland.  Each fruit contains one seed (PERENNIAL, CRFG, TOP TROPICALS).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  There are usually two crops of fruit per year in Florida.  Fruit production occurs 3 to 5 years from seed (PERENNIAL).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in hot tropical lowlands with medium to high rainfall. Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and light frost.  Grows well in beach sand.  Propagation is by seed (PERENNIAL, CRFG).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Pulp is consumed fresh; processed into jellies (PERENNIAL, CRFG).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop Photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Cultivated and naturalized in Puerto Rico, Florida; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL).
5. Other production regions:  Hispaniola (Caribbean), Venezuela; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL).
6. Use:  Fruit, ornamental (GRIN, CRFG).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, CRFG, PLANTS DATABASE, TOP TROPICALS.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  PDMUM

1. Mountain cherry [(ciruela de fraile (GRIN))]
      Malpighiaceae
      Bunchosia cornifolia Kunth
2. An evergreen understory shrub or tree growing a height of 6 to 15 meters (20 to 49 feet).  The tree contains a thin, straight trunk with dark, vertical creases that grows less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter.  Bark is thin, pale tan, whitish or grey in color, smooth, and easily scraped off.  Branches are iron-colored, thin, long, smooth, and bend downward.  Leaves are bright green, mostly smooth on the upper surface and hairy underneath, glossy, simple, opposite, curled, elliptic, oblong-elliptic, lance-oblong, or elliptic-ovate in shape, and 6 to 15 centimeters (2.4 to 6 inches) long by 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) wide.  Sometimes, leaves may reach 35 centimeters (14 inches) in length and 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in width.  Petioles are 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long.  Inflorescences are axillary racemes that are 3 to 12 centimeters (1.2 to 4.7 inches) long.  There are 8 to 16 flowers in each inflorescence.  Bright yellow flowers contain five green sepals, five narrow separated petals, and a cluster of stamens.  Each flower is 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) in diameter.  Pollinated by bees and insects.  Fruit are ovoid drupes that change color from orange to bright red when mature and grow 1.5 to 3 centimeters (0.6 to 1.2 inches) long by 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) in diameter.  Each fruit possesses a longitudinal crease.  Two to three green-brown almond-shaped seeds are located inside the fruit.  The skin is very thin and smooth.  The pulp is mealy in texture and the flavor is sweet (CROAT, CDS, ARTAUD).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  The tree can flower from December to July, but mostly flowers from April to July.  In some areas, flowering occurs March to October, with a peak in May.  Fruits mature from June to January (CROAT, CDS).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in tropical moist to wet forests.  Favors areas in the forests and areas along beaches that are penetrated by sunlight.  Trees colonize disturbed areas.  Tolerant of environments containing salt.  Seeds germinate rapidly, within 2 to 3 weeks (CROAT, CDS).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh (CDS).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop Photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other production regions:  Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama; no yield data is available (GRIN, CROAT, CDS).
6. Use:  Fruit (GRIN).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:   Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  No specific entry.  General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, CROAT, CDS, ARTAUD.
11. Production Map:  No entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  No specific entry

1. Nance [(murici, craboo, golden-spoon, nance, maurissi, indano, nancé, peraleja, yoco (GRIN))]
      Malpighiaceae
      Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth [(syn: Malpighia crassifolia L. (basionym) (GRIN))]
2. A low-branched, slow-growing tree or shrub reaching a height of 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet).  Native to the Caribbean and Central America.  The nance has one of the widest native ranges of all fruits in tropical America.  The canopy is round-topped and spreading to narrow and compact.  The trunk may be short or tall and crooked or straight.  Young branches contain russet hairs.  Leaves are opposte, leathery, smooth on the upper surface, hairy on the underside, ovate, elliptic or oblong-elliptic, and 3 to 17 centimeters (1.2 to 7 inches) long by 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 2.8 inches) wide.  Leaf margins are revolute.  Compact terminal erect racemes are hairy and 8 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) long by 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.75 inch) wide.  Flowers are showy, yellow, orange or yellow-red and symmetrical.  Petals are 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long.  Fruit is a round to ovoid drupe that is 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) in diameter.  The skin is thin, shiny and smooth.  When mature, the fruit emits a strong odor resembling fruity, rancid cheese.  Fruit pulp is yellow to white, juicy, oily and delicate; flavor ranges from bland, sweet, sour or cheese-like.  Each fruit contains one woody, yellow stone with one to three white seeds (JANICK, PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs over a long period of time.  The tree flowers form November to July in Mexico and in Puerto Rico the tree blooms and fruits continuously from spring to fall.  Fruit are marketed from June to October in Mexico and December to April in Brazil.  Fruit takes 130 to 135 days to reach maturity.  Trees produce fruit in three to four years from seed (JANICK, MORTON).
      b. Cultivation:  Trees are adapted to a wide range of climates and environments including the coastal Caribbean, semi-desert regions of northeastern Brazil, humid tropical lowlands, the middle elevations of Mexico, Central and South America, subtropical and tropical deciduous forests, open pine forests, and grassy savannah ecosystems.  Trees are used in restoring infertile and burned-over land.  Trees require 80 to 150 centimeters (31 to 59 inches) of rainfall per year, temperatures of 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F) and an elevation of 0 to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet).  Most trees are found at elevations below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet).  Tolerant of drought, fire, high temperatures and a variety of soils including rocky, sandy, and alkaline soils, soils with moderate permeability and soils with good drainage and high fertility.  Does not tolerate frost.  Propagated by seeds and grafting.  Seeds germinate in 20 to 45 days in well-drained potting soil.  Due to variations in tree characteristics when grown from seed, grafting is done more frequently.  Young trees should be shaded.  Pruning and fertilizer aid fruit production.  On rich soil, trees should be spaced 7 by 7 meters (23 by 23 feet).  In less fertile soil, trees should be spaced 4 by 4 meters (13 by 13 feet).  The trees are left alone when forests are cleared and are maintained in a state of semi-wild cultivation; grown as part of a subsistence farming system.   Fruit are harvested by local residents and are either consumed or sold to local markets.  Fruit are harvested when fully mature; fruit are very perishable, but can be stored for 7 months if submerged in water (JANICK, PERENNIAL, MORTON).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  Fruit are sold in local markets and along roadsides.  In some local markets, fruit are sold packed in water in glass jars (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit are consumed fresh; may also be persevered in vinegars, prepared in fresh and fermented drinks including chicha and crema de nance, and used in candies and ice creams.  Cooked fruit are added to chicken, stews, stuffing, soups and tamales (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  The seed is high in oil and protein.  The fruit is a good source of ascorbic acid (JANICK).

      f. Medicinal aspects:  The Mixe Indians of Oaxaca, the Zoques, Tzeltzal people of Chiapas, Mexico and the Maya healers in Guatemala have used the tree for medicinal purposes since pre-Hispanic times.  Bark has been used to treat snakebites, diarrhea, respiratory problems, wounds, mouth problems, and fevers.  Aerial parts of the tree are used to reduce fevers and treat diarrhea and skin rashes.  Fruit is used to treat fevers.  Bark and branches are used as a fish poision.  Seed is used to treat dysentery (JANICK, MORTON).
      g. Crop Photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (GRIN).
5. Other production regions:  Mexico, Central America including Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica, Caribbean (Barbados, Cuba), tropical South America including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay.  Trees produce yields of 3 to 5 tonnes (3.3 to 5.5 tons) per hectare of fruit in Mexico and 4 to 6 tonnes (4.4 to 6.6 tons) per hectare of fruit in Brazil (GRIN, JANICK).
6. Use:  Fruit, ornamental, potential as beverage base; wood is used for firewood, charcoal, furniture, tool
handles and building construction; bark and green fruit is used in tanning and dyeing; strong fiber is obtained
from the bark; branches are used to catch fish (GRIN, JANICK, PERENNIAL).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:  Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 13.
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  BYSCR
                                      402
1. Natal plum [(amatungulu, carisse, Natal-Pflaume, amatúngula, cereza de Natal (GRIN))]
      Apocynaceae
      Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. [(syn: Arduina grandiflora E. Mey., Arduina macrocarpa Eckl. (basionym), Carissa grandiflora (E. Mey.) A. DC. (GRIN))]
2. A vigorous, dense, thorny, spreading woody shrub that grows to a height and width of 4 to 5.5 meters (13 to 18 feet).  Native to the coastal region of Natal, South Africa.  All parts of the tree contain gummy white sap.  The branches contain 5 centimeter (2 inch) long thorns that are Y-shaped.  Young branches are green.  Leaves are leathery, dark green, evergreen, thorny at the tips, opposite, ovate to broad-ovate in shape, glossy, and 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long.  Sweet-smelling star-shaped flowers are white, tubular, 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide, five-lobed, and occur singly or in pairs at the end of branches.  Some male flowers contain stamens that are longer than the style.  Female flowers contain stamens that are the same length as the style and have no pollen.  Pollination occurs by small beetles, hawkmoths and night-flying insects.  Dark red fruit is an ellipsoid, round, oval, or oblong berry that grows solitary on the tree and measures 2.5 to 6.25 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) long by 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) wide.  The skin is smooth and tender and is coated with a thin, whitish wax bloom when ripe.  Unripe fruit contain gummy latex.  Pulp is pink to strawberry-colored, juicy, and contains milky sap.  The flavor is sour.  Each fruit contains 6 to 16 small, thin, flat brown seeds that can be consumed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, PLANTZAFRICA).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering and fruiting occurs all year.  In Florida, flowering peaks from May to September.  Vegetative growth is followed by flowering and thorn formation.  Fruit matures in 60 days.  Fruiting occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in the tropics and subtropics in full sun and well-drained soil.  Thrives in coastal bush, sand dunes and coastal forests.  Tolerates light frost to -4 °C (25 °F), semi-shade, drought, wind, salt, a variety of climates, a number of soil conditions including dry rocky soils, red clay, sandy loam, sand, alkaline soils, and differing altitudes and latitudes.  Does not tolerate waterlogging.  Propagation is by seed, cuttings and layering.  Seeds germinate in 2 weeks.  Vegetative propagation is the preferred method of propagation and is done by air-layering, ground-layering, or shield-budding.  Cuttings are only successful if the tip of the young branchlet is cut half-way through and left attached to the plant for 2 months.  Trees should be planted one meter apart to form a hedge.  Pruning and fertilization aid plant growth (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, PLANTZAFRICA).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruits are used locally and not marketed (HU).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Mature fruit are consumed whole without peeling or seeding.  Whole fruit are preserved by pricking the fruit, cooking briefly in sugar syrup, and sealing in jars.  Fruit may also be sliced, seeded and placed in fruit salads or added to gelatin.  Fruit can also be made into a sauce or syrup and used as a topping for cakes, puddings and ice cream.  Sometimes, fruit are pickled or used in pies and tarts.  A combination of ripe and unripe fruits can be made into jams, jellies or chutneys.  Whole fruit is bottled.  Stewing and boiling causes latex to leave the fruit and adhere to the pot (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Fruit is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and phosphorous. (PLANTZAFRICA).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  While not grown commercially, it is found in home plantings in Florida, California, Hawaii and the Gulf States; no yield data is available (MARKLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

5. Other commercial production regions:  Southern and eastern Africa, the Bahamas, the Philippines, India, Israel; cultivated worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, except for Southeast Asia; grown as an ornamental in Hong Kong and Taiwan; no yield data is available (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, HU).
6. Use:  Pulp eaten fresh or made into desserts or preserves; plant is important as an ornamental and protective hedge; bonsai plant (MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (JANICK).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  No specific entry.  General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, PLANTZAFRICA, HU.
11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  CISMA

1. Noni [(Indian-mulberry, rotten cheesefruit, bois douleur, pau-azeitona, mora de la India (GRIN))]
      Rubiaceae
      Morinda citrifolia L.  [(syn: Morinda bracteata Roxb. (GRIN))]
2. A small, evergreen tree or large shrub that grows to a height of 2 to 10 meters (6.5 to 33 feet).  Native from Southeast Asia (Indonesia) to Australia.  The tree sometimes obtains support from surrounding trees.  There is an extensive lateral root system and a deep taproot.  The trunk is 15 or more centimeters (6 inches) in diameter.  The sapwood is soft and yellow-brown in color.  The bark is smooth to slightly rough and grey to light brown in color.  Twigs are light green, stout and four-angled.  Dark green leaves are simple, opposite, membranous, pinnately veined, elliptic, elliptic-ovate, or oblong in shape, smooth, glossy, leathery, and 15 to 45 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) long by 7 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) wide.  Stipules are connate or distinct, round, deciduous, and 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) long.  The tip is entire or two- to three-lobed.  Petioles are stout and 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long.  Tiny, white, waxy flowers are tubular in shape, perfect, and in ovoid to globose heads.  Flowers occur solitary or in groups of 2 to 3 in the leaf axils.  Peduncles are 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long.  Individual flowers contain a truncated rim calyx, a white, five-lobed corolla with a greenish white tube (0.7 to 0.9 centimeters (0.28 to 0.35 inch) long) and oblong-deltate lobes (0.7 centimeters (0.28 inch) long), five stamens, and a 1.5 centimeter (0.6 inch) long style.  Mature yellowish white fruit is a syncarp that resembles a potato.  Fruit is ovoid to globose in shape and 5 to 14 centimeters (2 to 5.5 inches) long by 3 to 7.5 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) in diameter.  Unripe fruit is light green in color.  Pulp is translucent in color, fleshy, juicy and soft.  Each fruit contains over 260 brown colored, fibrous, tough seeds that measure 0.4 to 0.9 centimeters (0.16 to 0.35 inch) long.   The flavor is acidic, aromatic; resembles putrid cheese.  Significant source of food for indigenous societies.  There are several varieties of noni that vary in fruit size and leaf shape (JANICK. LORENZI, BARWICK, BONNER).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering and fruiting occurs throughout the year.  Flowers are produced over a span of several weeks, as fruit expand in size.  Fruit mature during the summer in Brazil.  Trees begin to flower and produce fruit in the first year after transplanting (JANICK, LORENZI).
      b. Cultivation:  Grows best in the lowland tropics at an elevation of sea level to 800 meters (2,625 feet), a temperature of 20 to 35 °C (68 to 95 °F), mean annual rainfall of 25 to 400 centimeters (10 to 157 inches), and well-drained rocky, sandy or loamy-sandy soils.  Prefers dry to mesic sites, maritime forests, and lowland areas in close proximity to shorelines.  Grows as a forest understory tree in low-elevation tropical island forests and rainforests.  Tolerates a wide variety of environments (wastelands, beach and lowland monsoon scrub on limestone, beach rainforest, disturbed forests, grasslands, coconut plantations, fallow areas, pastures and sandy coasts), a wide range of soils including shallow, acidic, alkaline, sodic and infertile soils, a wide range of precipitation patterns up to 4,000 meters (157 inches) per year, droughts of 6 months or more, wind, flooding, a wide range of light intensities (full sun to shade), fire, salt and salt spray, a minimum temperature of 5 °C (41 °F), and harsh conditions including coral beach sands, basaltic lava flows, brackish tide pools, or the slopes of very steep gulches.  Does not tolerate grasses or other weeds.  Propagated by seed, air layering, root sprouts, or cuttings.  For seeding purposes, ripe fruit are crushed by hand, allowing seeds and pulp to fall into a pot filled with a growth medium.  The layer of pulp and seeds are then covered with a shallow layer of growth medium and the pot is placed in a warm location and watered daily.  Since the seedcoat is so tough, seeds may be scarified to reduce germination time.  Germination occurs in 60 days or more with unscarified seeds and 3 to 4 weeks with scarified seeds.  Seeds are viable for 6 months.  Seedlings can be transplanted to the field in 9 months.  Stem cuttings from woody vertical stems root in 3 to 4 weeks in an inert growth medium such as vermiculite.  Stem cuttings can be transplanted to the field in 6 months.  Plants should be spaced 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet).  Fertilizer and pruning aids growth.  Fruit are harvested throughout the year, once per week.  Fruit can be harvested during any stage of development.  Fruit are harvested at the `hard white' stage (almost all the green color has turned whitish yellow but before the fruit turns soft and falls from the tree) for juice.  Handling and processing of the fruit differs depending on the type of product that will be produced.  The number of noni farms has increased worldwide since the early 1990s to meet market demand for products derived from the tree.  Fruit is cultivated in domestic and commercial orchards in Brazil.  In India, trees are cultivated for the bark (dye) (JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  A popular herbal dietary supplement in modern markets; some of the most important botanical remedies and food supplements traded on the international market.  The largest markets for noni are North America, Mexico, Asia, and Australia (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit can be consumed during any stage of development, depending on the product to be made; consumed raw or cooked; at the `hard white' stage, fruit can be made into juices.  Softened fruit are placed into large juice-collection containers to allow the fluids to seep out naturally and separate from the pulp.  Fruit can also be placed into a bladder press to squeeze out the juice.  Ripe fruit are consumed with salt in Myanmar; prepared into fruit leather.  Cooked fruit is mixed with coconut.  Unripe fruit is cooked in curries.  Fruit are also used as a famine food in some countries.  Fruit juice and powders made from fruit and leaves are used in health foods.  Leaves are edible raw or cooked; leafy vegetable; used to wrap food.  Very young leaves are cooked as vegetables and consumed with rice in Java and Thailand (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Fruit and leaves contain high amounts of protein and ascorbic acid (JANICK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Roots, bark, fruit and leaves are used as a significant source of traditional medicines.  Trees contain a number of chemicals including anthraquinones, alkaloids, scopoletin, glycosides, polysacchardies, asperuloide and organic acids that aid a number of health issues.  A complementary alternative medicine that aids high blood pressure, diabetes, pain, arthritis, depression, cancer, AIDS, skin parasites, skin and stomach ulcers, arteriosclerosis and senility.  The leaf is heated or wilted and pressed on painful swellings, wounds, and the head for headaches and head colds.  Dried fruits and leaves are used to make infusions and teas for medicinal use.  Fruit are used as an appetite stimulant (JANICK, BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Hawaii, Samoa, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys; yields can reach 80,000 kilograms (88 tons) per hectare in Hawaii (JANICK, BONNER).
5. Other commercial production regions:  Southeast Asia including China, Japan, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Thailand, region of Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea), the Indo-Pacific including eastern Polynesia, Melanesia, Western Polynesia, Micronesia; Australia; naturalized on the open shores of Central and South America (Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, Surinam, Brazil); the West Indies (the Bahamas, Bermuda); parts of Africa; widely naturalized throughout the tropics; no production statistics are available.  Fruit yields depend on environmental and cultural factors (GRIN, JANICK, LORENZI).
6. Use:  Ornamental, roots and bark are used for tannin/dyestuff (red dye), medicinal purposes; health and cosmetic products from the leaves and fruit; the trunk is used for firewood and tools; fruit and leaves are used as fodder; oil from the fruit is used as an insecticide; soaps (GRIN, JANICK, BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Fruit
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:  Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition: None
10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK. LORENZI, BARWICK, BONNER, PLANTS DATABASE, AGROFORESTRY.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 13.
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  MOJCI

                                      418
1. Olive [(mu xi lian, olivier, Ölbaum, Olivenbaum, olivo, oliveira, aceituno (GRIN))]
      Oleaceae
      Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea
      2. A small to medium tree growing 4 to 10 meters (13 to 33 feet) high and about 9 meters (30 feet) wide.  Native to the Mediterranean region, tropical and central Asia and parts of Africa.  Grown throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world.  Olives have been used by humans since 9000 BC.  Cultivation of olive trees began between 4000 and 3000 BC in Asia Minor, the eastern Mediterranean, or the Nile Basin.  Over the years, there have been many differing opinions as to the nomenclature and hierarchies within the genus and species.  In 2002, a revision of the scientific nomenclature occurred.  Today, the cultivated olive is known as Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea.  Trees may live for 500 years.  Trunk thickness varies according to variety; trunk color ranges from grey to grey-green.  Trees not in cultivation contain multiple trunks that originate from a single broad base.  The crown is rounded, but somewhat uneven.  Unpruned trees are dense and bushy.  The root system differs depending on the method of propagation.  Seedlings form taproots, while cuttings form multiple adventitious roots at the cutting base.  Rigid evergreen leaves are dark green and are covered with a thick waxy cuticle on the upper surface.  Undersides of leaves contain the stomata that are protected by densely distributed white or silver trichomes.  Leaves are simple, entire, opposite, lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate, or elliptic and 3 to 9 centimeters (1.2 to 3.5 inches) long by 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch) wide.  Each leaf contains a central vein, a smooth margin and a short petiole.  Leaves persist on the tree for 2 to 3 years.  Leaves of juvenile trees are shorter and more rounded.  A mixture of perfect and staminate flowers are borne on 1.5 to 4.0 centimeter (0.6 to 1.6 inch) long inflorescences.  Inflorescences are borne from buds in the leaf axils of 1-year-old wood.  Each paniculate inflorescence consists of a single central axis from which lateral branches arise.  The central axis and lateral branches contain flowers that occur singly or in groups of three to five.  Each inflorescence contains 10 to 40 small flowers.  Individual flowers are radially symmetrical and contain four white to yellowish-white petals that are united at the base.  Pollination is by wind.  Olive pollen contains more than 50 different proteins in each pollen grain, making it highly allergenic.  Fruit is a small drupe that is round to elliposoid, 1 to 4 centimeters (0.4 to 1.6 inches) long, and 0.5 to 2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inch) in diameter.  Fruit size varies according to variety.  The skin is smooth and consists of a thick waxy protective cuticle.  The stomata on the surface of the fruit transform into lenticels that appear as light-colored spots at green maturation.  Each fruit contains one pit.  Throughout most of its growth, the fruit is green.  During maturation, the fruit turns yellowish and darkens from reddish to purple to black.  Numerous fruit are produced from a single tree.  The four major types of table olives include Spanish-style green olives that are harvested green and treated in alkaline solution, Sicilian-style green olives that are treated in brine, untreated black olives, and brine-treated California-style black olives.  Over 1,200 different olive cultivars have been developed (EFLORAS, JANICK, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering takes place from April to May.  Blooming occurs for a period of 10 to 14 days.  Less than 5% of the flowers set fruit.  Fruit growth is long and lasts about 6 to 7 months.  Flowering occurs 10 years from seed and 4 to 6 years from vegetative propagation.  Winter chilling is required for reproductive budburst.  Olive trees have strong alternate bearing habits.  Heavy flowering and high yield in one year is followed by low yield the following year.  Pruning can aid this problem (EFLORAS, JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in temperate to tropical regions.  Requires sufficient winter chill to ensure fruit set and a long, hot growing season for proper fruit ripening.  Flourishes in full sun.  Tolerates mild wind, mild saline conditions, dry periods and any well-drained soil up to pH 8.5.  Irrigation and fertilization improves fruiting.  Does not tolerate hot, dry winds during fruiting or spring frosts; green fruit is damaged at approximately 2 °C (28 °F).  Olives are adapted to the xerophytic condtions of the Mediterranean climate.  Propagated mostly by leafy stem cuttings.  Approximately 10 to 15 centimeter (4 to 6 inch) long cuttings with 2 to 3 pairs of leaves should be obtained from 1-year-old shoots.  Cuttings are treated with rooting hormone and placed on heated mist benches during spring or fall.  Once rooted, cuttings are moved to individual containers.  Young trees are trained into a specific shape and size.  Trees are pruned at the end of winter to renew the fruiting surface.  There is a range of time during which the fruit may be harvested.  This depends on whether the fruit will be used for table or oil.  Fruit are mostly mechanically harvested.  Beating the branches with poles and collecting the olives on tarps, large combs and hand picking are other harvest methods.  Processing occurs directly after harvesting.  The increased interest in olive oil consumption is causing an increase in planting of olive orchards in new and traditional growing areas.  Improved varieties and horticultural techniques are being developed (JANICK, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Widely available; sold throughout the world; raw olives are sold in speciality produce stores; there is a growing interest in olive oil consumption for health and gourmet reasons (JANICK, CRFG).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Olives are used for oil extraction and table consumption.  Green-cured and ripe-cured olives are used as a relish or snack; fruit are stuffed with pimentos or almonds; used in breads, soups, and salads; common ingredient of everyday foods.  In some areas, olives are picked green, crushed, cured in oil and used as a salad.  Fruit can be dried in the sun and eaten without curing.  Various fruit processing technologies are used remove the natural bitter taste for table consumption.  The bitterness that comes from the compound oleuropein, is removed by a treatment with alkaline solution, a soaking in water or brine, or a treatment in dry salt.  Table olives vary according to the maturity stage at which the fruit is picked, the kind and degree of treatment, the variety of the fruit, and the addition of flavor ingredients.  Oil is extracted from the fruit and is used cold or hot as a flavoring or ingredient.  Due to its stability at high temperatures, the oil is useful for frying.  Compared to other oils, there is less penetration into food.  The quality of the oil depends on the variety, maturity and extraction procedures.  Many people consider the oil a gourmet food.  Commercial olive oil is labeled as `extra virgin', `virgin', refined', `olive pomace' and `olive oil'.  Virgin and extra virgin oils are obtained from the first pressing.  This is a purely mechanical process.  Only cold pressing is used for extra virgin oil.  Heat may be applied to aid in increasing fruit cell-wall permeability.  Pomace oil is produced by chemical solvent extraction of the residue that remains after pressing.  Refined oil is chemically refined either from lesser quality virgin oil or olive pomace oil.  Olive oil is a mixture of refined and virgin oils (JANICK, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Olive oil contains a high monounsaturated fat (particularly oleic acid) and antioxidant content.  Oil is low in saturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Many value the oil because it aids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.  Oil is also beneficial for glycaemic control, obesity and cancer (JANICK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Olive oil has been used as a medicine and body ointment for many years.  The oil is used as a body cleanser, a skin soother and a laxative.  Oil is consumed to reduce gastric secretions and treat ulcers.  Externally, oil is used to cure dandruff.  Leaves are used as an antiseptic, astringent, febrifuge and sedative.  The bark is an astringent and febrifuge (JANICK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Commercially grown in California; most production occurs California's Central Valley; some production occurs outside Phoenix, Arizona.  According to the USDA, in 2009, total production in California was 42,002tonnes (46,300 tons) of olives (MELNICOE 1996e, CRFG, FAOSTAT, USDA).
5. Other production regions:  Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, South America, the Middle East, northern and southern Africa, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Western and southwestern Asia, southeastern and southwestern Europe, the Mediterranean region, Taiwan; widely cultivated and sometimes naturalized.  World olive production is 9.5 million hectares (23,475,011 acres).  Approximately 90% of production is used for olive oil.  Approximately 75% of olive oil is from Europe, with Spain producing the most oil.  Greece, Italy and Portugal are also leading producers.  Nearly half of all world production of table olives is from Europe and one-third is from the Middle Eastern and Northern African countries.  According to FAOSTAT, in 2007, 6,222,100 tonnes (6,858,691 tons) were produced in Spain, 3,481,379 tonnes (3,837,563 tons) were produced in Italy, 2,444,230 tonnes (2,694,302 tons) were produced in Greece, 1,075,854 tonnes (1,185,926 tons) were produced in Turkey, and 900,000 tonnes (992,080 tons) were produced in Tunisia.  World olive production in 2008 was 18,083,800 tonnes (19,933,977 tons) (GRIN, MARKLE, EFLORAS, JANICK, FAOSTAT).
6. Use:  Grown for fresh fruit and oil; pickled for green olives, brined and canned for ripe, crushed for oil. Also grown as an ornamental, preservative, erosion control, fuelwood, charcoal, lipids, medicinal purposes, important trade commodity, cultural symbol; fruit is an important food in the Mediterranean diet; oil from the seed is used for soap making and lubrication.  Maroon, purple, blue and black dyes are obtained from the fruit; yellow-green dye is obtained from the leaves.  Wood is used in turnery and cabinet making (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Fruit.  Seed sometimes crushed for oil extraction.
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Fruit and its processed commodity oil.  In EPA Table 1, EPA notes that the fruit should be analyzed after removing and discarding stem and pit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:  Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  005 (FT 0305) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits (edible peel); 023 (SO0305) Oilseed; 067 (OC 0305) Vegetable crude oil; 068 (OR 0305) Vegetable refined oil; 069 (DM 0305) Miscellaneous derived edible products of plant origin.
      d. EPA Crop Definition: None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MELNICOE 1996e, EFLORAS, JANICK, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, PLANTS DATABASE, FAOSTAT, USDA.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 10 (PLANTS DATABASE).
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  OLVEU

                                      438
1. Papaya, Mountain [(papayer de montagne, Bergpapaya, chamburú, chamburo, Chiluacán, papaya de tierra fría (GRIN))]
      Caricaceae
      Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC. [(syn:  Carica candamarcensis Hook. f., Carica cestriflora (A. DC.) Solms, Carica cundinamarcensis Linden, nom. nud., Carica pubescens Lenné & Koch, Vasconcellea cestriflora A. DC., Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis V. M. Badillo (GRIN))]
2. A fast-growing, subtropical herbaceous succulent plant that grows 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) in height.  Native to the high slopes of Ecuador and Colombia.  The trunk is erect, branched, thick and rounded at the base and thinner toward the top.  The trunk surface contains big symmetric foliar scars.  Branches are upright, rigid, and may produce secondary branches.  The plant has the appearance of a small palm.  Leaves are dentalobulate, pentagonal, pubescent, and 20 to 26 centimeters (8 to 10 inches) long by 34 to 40 centimeters (13 to 16 inches) wide.  The leaves have a medium lobule and three to five oblong-acuminate side lobelets.  The petiole is 17 to 34 centimeters (7 to 13 inches) long.  Plants may produce only female flowers, only male flowers, or hermaphrodite flowers.  Compared to female flowers, hermaphrodite flowers produce smaller fruit with more pronounced elongated lobules and thinner pulp.  Flowers are pubescent.  Fruit is similar to the common papaya.  It is a five-sided, oblong-ovoid to obovoid berry that is 6 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) long by 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) wide.  Each fruit contains strongly lobed longitudinal segments.  The skin is smooth, tough and changes color from green to bright yellow when ripe.  Pulp is yellow and the flavor is sour.  Each fruit contains many brownish, rough seeds.  The plant can live for up to 17 years, but for commercial production, the lifespan is only 5 years.  Unlike the common papaya, the climate requirements, the tree's growth habit, the fruit type and general orchard management of the mountain papaya are different (PERENNIAL, NAGY, ECOCROP, CAMPBELL, VEGA).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Fruit is produced year-round, but has seasonal fluctuations.  Main production occurs from August to March in Chile.  Fruit production occurs occurs in 2 years from seed.  One tree may produce 50 to 60 fruit per season (PERENNIAL, NAGY, TRADE WINDS).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in tropical highlands and cool subtropical areas with well-distributed rainfall of 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 39 inches) and temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 °C (50 to 75 °F).  It also grows in temperate climates.  In tropical areas, plants inhabit the low dry mountain forest area at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters (4,921 to 9,843 feet).  Grows well in deep soil and abundant organic matter.  Mountain papaya is hardier than the common papaya.  It tolerates drought and light frosts of up to 2 °C (28 °F).  It does not tolerate low dawn temperatures and intense midday sun during the winter (May to September).  Propagation is mainly by seed.  Seeds are removed from the fruit, dried in the open air and planted in pots.  Germination occurs in 30 days.  Seedlings are planted 3 by 3 meters (10 by 10 feet) apart in the field when they reach 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) high.  There is no dormancy requirement.  It is not possible to separate plants by the type of flower produced before bloom time.  Therefore, three to four plants per site are planted.  When the flower types are identified, the plants are selected and the hermaphrodite and female plants are selected for the orchard.  Due to the high content of papain in the green fruit, people who harvest and handle the fruit must wear protective gloves to prevent wounds around the fingernails (PERENNIAL, NAGY, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, POPENOE, VEGA).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruit is accepted on the international market for use in the pharmacological industry and as a meat tenderizer.  Rural populations consume the fruit (VEGA).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  The fruit is only eaten fresh when sugar is applied.  Fruit is cooked in syrup, stewed, or processed into preserves and jams.  It can be canned or used for beverages; boiled and baked green fruit may be used as a vegetable.  Thinly-sliced preserved flesh is eaten at meals with cheese or used in cooking (PERENNIAL, NAGY, TRADE WINDS, CAMPBELL, VEGA).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Green fruit is rich in papain (NAGY).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Fruit is used in Colombia, Chile, and northern Ecuador to treat arterial sclerosis.  Latex of the fruit is used against skin infections and warts.  It is also used to destroy intestinal worms, inflammations of the intestine, diabetes and liver diseases (POPENOE, VEGA).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Limited.  Grown in California; no yield data is available (MELNICOE 1996d).
5. Other production regions:  Commonly cultivated in the high slopes of Ecuador and Colombia; also grown in Panama, Venezuela, and northern to western South America, especially the Andes Mountains; yields per unit area are not known; one tree can produce 50 to 60 fruit per season (GRIN, TRADE WINDS).
6. Use: Fruit is eaten cooked or fresh.  It is easily prepared because it can be eaten skin and all; used as a gene source for disease resistance for papaya; the proteolytic enzyme, papain, is used as a meat tenderizer; grown in family gardens; green fruit is a source material of latex; medicinal purposes (GRIN, MARKLE, NAGY, VEGA).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  No specific entry.  General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MELNICOE 1996d, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, NAGY, ECOCROP, CAMPBELL, VEGA, TRADE WINDS, POPENOE.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 10.
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  CIAPU (listed as Carica pubescens (A.DC.) SOLMS-LAUBACH/LENNE & K.KOCH

1. Patauá [(patauá, bataua palm, kumbu, seje, ungurahui, Sejepalme (GRIN))]
      Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)
      Oenocarpus bataua Mart.  [(syn: Jessenia bataua (Mart.) Burret, Jessenia oligocarpa Griseb. & H. Wendl., Jessenia polycarpa H. Karst., Oenocarpus oligocarpus (Griseb. & H. Wendl.) Wess. Boer (GRIN))]
2. A large, vigorous, single-stemmed canopy palm growing 15 to 25 meters (49 to 82 feet) tall.  Native to northern South America.  The trunk is smooth and 15 to 40 centimeters (6 to 16 inches) in diameter.  The crown is funnel-shaped and contains 8 to 16 spirally arranged, large, erect, feather-shaped, pinnately compound leaves that grow 3 to 8 meters (10 to 26 feet) long.  The petiole grows 1 meter (3 feet) long.  There are 100 to 200 pinnae arranged in a single plane along the rachis.  Pinnae measure 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) long.  The sheath is open to the base and contains abundant black, stout fibers at the margins, intermixed with brown wooly fibers.  The inflorescence is paniculate, measures 1.2 meters (4 feet) long, and has several hundred branches that are around 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long.  Each branch bears numerous cream-colored flowers.  Each panicle bears over 1,000 round to elongate, dark purple drupes that are pointed at the apex and 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) in diameter.  The skin is smooth and shiny.  Each fruit contains a single seed and 6.5 to 8% oil by fresh weight.  Some believe the pulp tastes like chocolate.  The tree can live 50 to 80 years (JANICK, PALMBASE, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Fruit ripen from April to November.  The plant takes 10 to 15 years to fruit from seed (JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  Palms are scattered on upland soils of terra firma rainforests and are widespread in the Neotropical lowlands.  Plants do not usually grow above 950 meters (3,117 feet) in elevation.  Palms form huge unbroken stands in flooded swamps.  Do not tolerate frost.  Propagated by seed.  Seed should be de-pulped and placed in 50 °C (122 °F) water for 30 to 60 minutes.  Seeds should be planted in partial shade.  Germination occurs within 2 months.  When the seedling has at least one leaf, it should be transplanted to a container and grown under partial shade for one year.  For plantations, plants should be shaded for the first few weeks before planting in full sun.  Spacing for an agroforestry plantation would be 204 to 216 plants at 7 meter (23 feet) square spacings.  To increase fruiting production, competing plants should be removed and the nutrient content of the soil should be increased (JANICK).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  The fruit has great economic potential.  Soaked or heated fruits are sold on the market in the town of Coca.  Indigenous people consider the oil highly valuable.  During World War II when a world shortage of olive oil occurred, Brazil exported over 200 tonnes (220 tons) per year of patauá oil (JANICK, PALMBASE).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is soaked before it is eaten to soften the pulp.  An oil that is similar to olive oil is obtained after boiling the fruit.  Traditionally, oil was extracted by mashing the mesocarp, heating it, and pressing it in a long woven tube.  Two types of oil are extracted from mesocarp and the seed.  Amerindians produce a thick non-alcoholic juice with a nut-like flavor from the fruit mesocarp.  Fruit are used in drinks, popsicles and ice cream (JANICK, PALMBASE, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Patauá oil is virtually identical to olive oil in appearance and fatty acid composition.  The oil is highly unsaturated with 78 +- 3% monounsaturated fatty acids and 3 +- 1% polyundaturated fatty acids.  A beverage prepared from the fruit has high protein content and the unsaturated oils make it an excellent nutritional addition to local diets (JANICK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  The oil is used as a cure for minor bronchial and pulmonary infections.  The hard endosperm is crushed and eaten to cure snake bites (JANICK, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other production regions:  Central America including Panama, Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago), northern South America, Brazil, western South America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador).  On average, the palm yields two fruiting stems annually, with a mean weight of 15 kilograms (254 pounds).  Some plants produce up to five fruiting stems.  It is estimated that 100 fruting plants would produce 1.6 tonnes (1.8 tons) of fruit.  A hectare of wild palm stand yields 1.5 to 1.6 tonnes (1.7 to 1.8 tons) of fresh fruit and 112 to 260 kilograms (247 to 573 pounds) of oil (GRIN, JANICK).
6. Use:  Fruit, medicinal purposes; leaf base fibers are used as blowgun darts; leaves are used as baskets; the palm heart is edible; wood of the stem is used for floors and other construction needs (GRIN, PALMBASE, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PALMBASE, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION.
11. Production Map:  No entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  IESBA (listed as Jessenia bataua (MART.) BURRET)

1. Peach Palm [(pejibaye, palmier pêche, parépou, Pfirsichpalme, pupunha, gachipaes, masato, chonta, pijuayo (GRIN))]
      Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)
      Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes [(syn: Bactris utilis (Oerst.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex Hemsl., Guilielma gasipaes (Kunth) L. H. Bailey, Guilielma speciosa Mart., Guilielma utilis Oerst. (GRIN))]
2. A palm with multiple trunks that grows 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet) tall.  Native to Central America and southwestern Amazonia including northern Bolivia, southeastern Peru and western Brazil.  Carbonized seeds of this palm date back 4,000 years.  All cultivated populations of this palm are listed as Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes and all wild populations are now listed as Bactris gasipaes var. chichagui (H. Karsten) Henderson.  Stem diameter ranges from 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches).  Internodes, leaf bases, and leaf midribs contain black, brittle spines.  In some plants, spines do not exist.  The crown contains 15 to 25 dark green pinnate fronds.  Leaflets of the fronds grow at different angles.  Long strands of inflorescences occur among the axils of the senescent fronds.  Separate tiny yellowish male and female flowers are contained within the same inflorescence.  The fruit is a drupe that varies in shape and grows in clusters of 50 to 1,000.  One stem can contain 5 to 6 clusters of fruit.  Each fruit grows 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long and weighs 10 to 250 grams (0.4 to 9 ounces).  The skin is thin, smooth, fibrous and red, purple, orange, yellow or green in color.  The humid, starchy, oily pulp is yellow to orange in color.  Most fruit contain a fibrous, oily, white, conical-shaped, 8 to 10 centimeter (3 to 4 inch) kernel.  The flavor of the fruit is fruity to chestnut-like.  The seed is nutty, oily and has a coconut-like flavor.  The aroma of the fermented pulp smells like ripe peaches.  A typical bunch weighs 1 to 25 kilograms (2 to 55 pounds).  Wild-type fruit are rich in oils and domesticated fruit are rich in starch.  Currently, the plant is most important in both Latin American and world markets for its heart-of-palm.  This palm is the only domesticated palm in tropical America (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs year-round in many areas.  In areas where the dry season is less pronounced, two flowering periods occur and fruiting occurs every six months.  The fruiting season extends over a 2 to 4 month period.  In central Brazilian Amazonia, the main flowering season occurs from the mid-dry season in August and September, to the beginning of the rainy season in November.  In Costa Rica, the main flowering season occurs from May to July.  In Brazil, fruit ripen from late December to late March and in Costa Rica, fruit ripen from August to October.  Fruit production occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  Wild palms grow in transitional natural ecosystems where there are natural disturbances including riverbeds and primary forest gaps.  Cultivated palms occur in ecosystems created by humans.  Cultivated palms are adapted to a wide range of ecological conditions in the humid Neotropics.  Palms require hot, wet tropical lowlands with deep, fertile, well-drained soils, elevations of less than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), abundant and well-distributed rainfall (200 to 500 centimeters (79 to 200 inches) per year), and average temperatures above 24 °C (75 °F).  Tolerates low-fertility soils and short, 3 to 4 month dry seasons in non-sandy soils.  Does not yield well in dry conditions.  Does not tolerate waterlogged soils.  Propagation is mainly by seed.  Seed should be obtained from healthy trees at the beginning of the harvest season.  Pulp should be carefully removed, seeds should be cleaned and sowing should occur in appropriate substrates with sufficient irrigation.  Seeds germinate in 30 to 90 days.  Seedlings should be placed in moderate shade.  When palms are grown for fruit, the spacing is 5 by 5 meters (16 by 16 feet) or 400 plants per hectare.  For heart-of-palm crops, plants should be grown in high density (> 5,000 plants per hectare), high input stands, where standard spacing is 1 by 2 meters (3 by 7 feet).  Lime and sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should be applied to acidic soils.  Because inflorescences develop in sequence on the stem, all bunches cannot be harvested at the same time.  Fruit is harvested when the exocarp has 50% of its final color and the seed is mature.  On spineless plants, fruit are collected by climbing the stem and lowering the fruit bunches to the ground with a rope or dropping them into a net.  On spine-producing trees, poles with hooks or curved knives are used to cut the fruit bunch.  Currently, the plant is under-utilized for its fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Due to the strong flavor, the fruit is harvested and commercialized before full ripeness.  In Costa Rica, the San José market is supplied with fruit year-round.  Fruit is sold in markets cooked, fresh by the bunch or minimally processed.  Processing includes removing the fruit from the bunch, washing it, waxing it, sorting it, and packaging it.  Fruit do not store well and deteriorate within 3 to 7 days.  Heart-of-palm of this plant is the principal source of heart-of-palm in both Latin American and world markets.  Large quantities of heart-of-palm are exported to Europe and the United States each year.  There is also a niche market demand for dry four (JANICK, VAN WYK).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Because raw fruit is caustic, is not consumed fresh.  It is cooked and consumed as a breakfast item or snack with mayonnaise or sauce.  The cooking process involves boiling, peeling, halving and pitting the fruit.  Fruit is also preserved or dried.  Cooked fruit are used in stews, pureed for making certain dishes, or fermented to make a drink called chichi.  Fruit are processed into flour by cooking the bunch, cutting the fruit into small pieces, removing the seeds, drying the pulp and peel, and grinding the dried material.  Some attempts have been made to freeze, dry, or can the fruit.  The seed is consumed fresh or cooked.  The palm is an important staple starch crop, perhaps as important as maize and cassava.  The heart-of-palm is consumed raw in salads, or cooked and substituted for artichoke (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  The fruit is energy-rich and contains a large quantity of starches, oils, vitamin A and protein.  Fruit mesocarp oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid.  A trypsin inhibitor and calcium oxalate crystals exist in the fruit, but can be removed by boiling.  The heart-of-palm is a dietary product that also contains calcium oxalate crystals (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Fruit is used as an aphrodisiac (JANICK).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other production regions:  Cultivated throughout central and northern South America; experimental crops are found in Africa, Asia and Oceania.  In 2000, the estimated production of fresh fruit bunches in the State of Amazonas, Brazil was 13,600 tonnes (14,991 tons).  Brazilian Amazonia produced at least twice that amount.  In 2002 Colombian production of fruit was approximately 49,000 tonnes (54,013 tons) and Costa Rican fruit production was approximately 10,500 tonnes (11,574 tons).  Total Neotropical fruit production is estimated to be 120,000 tonnes (132,277 tons).  Of this, approximately 50% is fresh fruit and the other 50% is used for subsistence.  Heart-of-palm production in Brazil was 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres) in 2002; production in Bolivia was 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres); Costa Rica had 8,000 hecatres (19,768 acres) in production in 2002, and production in Colombia was 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres).  The total Neotropical production area of heart-of-palm is greater than 43,000 hectares (106,255 acres) (GRIN, JANICK).
6. Use:  Fruit, oil, fat, starch, vegetable, medicinal purposes; source of hearts-of-palm; wood was used for tools and weapons; today wood is used for construction purposes; grown in home gardens (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (JANICK).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, VAN WYK.
11. Production Map:  No entry (PLANTS DATABASE)
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  BCTGA (listed as Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.)
                                         468
1. 1. Persimmon, Black [(Mexican persimmon, Texas persimmon, chapote (GRIN))]
      Ebenaceae
      Diospyros texana Scheele
2. A slow-growing small tree that reaches a height of 6 to 12 meters (20 to 40 feet) and a width of 5 to 8 meters (15 to 25 feet).  Native to southern and central Texas and northern Mexico.  The canopy is symmetrical.  Bark is thin, smooth and peels away to reveal shades of gray, white and pink on the trunk.  The wood is black, hard and heavy.  Branches are intricate and ascend into the crown in a twisted fashion.  The tree is deciduous from USDA zone 8 northward and remains evergreen in its southern range.  Leaves are dark green, leathery, alternate, simple, entire, oblong to obovate in shape, slightly hairy on the underside, and less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) long.  Flowers are fragrant, inconspicuous, and greenish to white in color.  Male and female flowers are located on different plants.  Black fruit are small, round berries that are 1.3 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) in diameter.  The skin is smooth.  The pulp is sweet and juicy.  Each fruit contains 3 to 8 seeds.  Fruit are popular to birds and other wildlife (GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs from February to June.  Fruits mature in August and September.  Seedlings flower within five to six years (GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED).
      b. Cultivation:  Grows best in subtropical climates with full sun and shallow, rocky, limestone soils.  Prefers warm winters, hot, humid summers, and rainfall in the spring and fall.  Forms heavy thickets in the Edwards Plateau.  Also popular in Texas in the Rio Grande plains and the southeastern corner of the Trans-Pecos region.  In Mexico, trees are found in the northern portions of Neuvo Leon, Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and the extreme Northeastern corner of Chihuahua.  Texas persimmon occurs in scrub evergreen forests, mature riparian and woody upland communities.  Tolerant of heat, drought, shade, and most well-drained soils including clay, loam, sand.  Can survive in semiarid environments including rocky north slopes, arroyos, ravines, and upper floodplain terraces.  In drier regions, the tree grows on canyon sites.  Grows at elevations of 300 to 1,700 meters (1,100 to 5,700 feet).  Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.  Propagation is by seed and vegetative reproduction.  Clean seeds without fruit pulp germinate rapidly in warm, moist soil.  Germination rates are 50 to 90 percent.  Trees can be fertilized once per year (GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is used in puddings and custards (FED).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Texas; no yield data is available (GRIN).
5. Other commercial production regions:  Northern Mexico; no yield data is available (GRIN).
6. Use:  Fruit, bonsai, container plant, ornamental; fruit are used to make a black dye in Mexico; wood is used for tools, engraving blocks and art work; source of food, sheleter and cover for wildlife (GRIN, GILMAN 230, FED).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Edible peel and inner pulp (AGGIE-HORT).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  No specific entry.  General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PLANTS DATABASE, GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Regions 6 and 8 (PLANTS DATABASE)

12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  DOSSS (listed as Diospyros L. spec), DOSKA (D. khaki), DOSTE (D. texana), DOSVI (D. virginiana)

                                      468
1. Persimmon, Japanese [(Chinese persimmon, kaki, kaki persimmon, Oriental persimmon, shi, rague mine, Kakibaum, Kakipflaume, pisang kaki, caqui, kaki del Japón, placa minera (GRIN))]
      Ebenaceae
      Diospyros kaki Thunb. [(syn: Diospyros chinensis Blume, nom. nud. (GRIN))]
2. A slow-growing, upright, deciduous tree that reaches a height of 4 to 18 meters (13 to 60 feet) and a spread to 4.5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 feet).  Native to China, Japan, Burma, the Himalayas and the Khasi Hills of Northern India.  The tree contains a rounded crown.  Leaves are leathery, glossy and dark green on the upper surface, brown-silky underneath, large, alternate, oblong, ovate-elliptic, oblong-ovate or obovate in shape, and 7 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) long by 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) wide.  Petioles are short, brown, hairy and measure 2 centimeters (0.75 inch) long.  During the fall, leaves turn yellow, orange and red.  Greenish-yellow flowers occur in the axils of leaves on the current season's shoot and contain prominent, persistent sepals.  Flowers may be male, female, or a combination of both.  Female flowers are solitary and contain a large leaf-like green calyx that is 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches).  Male flowers occur as three-flowered cymes.  On many subtropical forms, male and female flowers occur on separate trees.  Most commercial varieties produce only female flowers.  Pollination occurs by bees.  Fruit are berries that resemble tomatoes in shape and color.  Size, color and shape vary depending on the cultivar.  Fruit can be spherical, conical, ovoid, oblate, flattened, or squarish and yellow, light yellow-orange or dark orange-red in color.  Fruit size ranges from 2.5 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter and fruit weight varies from less than 100 grams to 300 grams (3.5 to 11 ounces).  Compared to American persimmon, Japanese persimmon fruits are larger.  The skin is smooth, glossy, thin and tough.  Pulp is orange in color; the flavor is sweet when ripe.  Fruit grow solitary on the tree.  Young fruit are highly astringent due to soluble tannins.  Cultivars that do not lose astringency naturally on the tree are called astringent-type fruit.  These fruit are further classified into pollination variant astringent and pollination constant astringent types.  Some cultivars lose astringency as they develop on the tree.  These are called the non-astringent type fruit.  These fruit are further classified as pollination constant non-astringent and pollination variant non-astringent types.  With variant-type persimmons, the flesh darkens when it has seeds.  When no seeds are present, flesh of the variant-types does not turn dark and the astringency is kept until maturation.  With constant-type persimmons, flesh color and astringency loss is not changed by the presence or absence of seed.  There are more than 950 cultivars of Japanese persimmon.  The major varieties are Izu, Fuyu, and Suruga.  Almost all non-astringent cultuvars were developed in Japan.  An important fruit source in China, Korea, and Japan since prehistoric times (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs March to April in Florida and mid-April in Japan.  Fruit matures in approximately 200 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown worldwide in warm temperate areas, subtropical areas and tropical highlands.  Requires well-distributed rainfall and a seasonal cool period for proper flowering and fruiting.  Prefers fertile, free draining clay loams with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.  Tolerates a wide range of soils and locations.  Thrives in semi-arid to high humidity areas.  Grows wild at elevations of 1,830 to 2,500 meters (6,000 to 8,000 feet).  The optimal temperature range for fruit growth and sugar accumulation is 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F).  Extremely high temperatures during the summer inhibit fruit growth.  Cool autumn temperatures promote the final expansion of fruit development and enhance fruit maturation.  Some cultivars tolerate moderate frost.  Non-astringent varieties grow better in the warm subtropics.  Astringent types are best suited for temperate areas.  Propagation is mostly by grafting.  Some plants are propagated by seed, micropropagation, and budding.  For seedling rootstocks, seeds should be cleaned, dried, and placed directly in a seedbed at 30 °C (86 °F) during the autumn months.  Seedlings should be established in long, narrow pots before potting into large containers.  Grafting is done from early to mid-April when water begins to ascend to the upper parts of the tree.  Grafts can be planted in three to four months.  Commerical trees should be trained, thinned and pruned.  Dwarf varieties should be planted 5 by 2.5 meters (16 by 8 feet) apart, semi-dwarf trees should be planted 5 by 3 meters (16 by 10 feet) apart, and vigorous varieties should be planted 6 by 4.5 meters (20 by 15 feet) apart.  Several selected cultivars of persimmon are used for intensive cultivation.  Some early-ripening cultivars are cultivated partially in heated plastic houses for early harvest.  Harvesting should occur when fruit are fully mature.  Maturity is determined by measuring blossom end color with a color chart and measuring sugar content with a hand refractometer.  Non-astringent fruit have a shelf life of 10 to 14 days.  With cold storage temperatures between -1.0 to 1.0 °C (30 to 34 °F), fruit can be stored for 2 to 4 months.  Astringent-type fruit are treated with carbon dioxide and/or ethanol after harvest.  Gibberellic acid spray can be applied to the growing fruit to delay the maturation process and increase shelf life.  Wrapping fruit with polyethylene film also prolongs fruit storage.  With this method, fruit can be stored for more than 3 months in the refrigerator after harvest (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, MORTON).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruit are sold all over the world.  Most production in Israel is consumed domestically as fresh or cold-stored fruit, but some is also exported to Europe.  Early fruit is shipped to market by the middle of August (JANICK).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is mainly consumed fresh by cutting the fruit in half and scooping the flesh out with a spoon.  Lemon juice, cream or sugar is usually added to the pulp.  Peeled fruit is added to fruit salads, blended to make persimmon juice, processed into jams or sorbets, candied, stewed, or puréed and added to ice cream and other desserts.  Fruit can also be made into molasses, cider, beer, and wine.  Roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute.  Astringent-type fruit are mostly grown in China.  These fruit are usually consumed over-ripened, dried, candied, frozen, preserved, or fresh after artificial treatments are performed to remove astringency.  For drying, fruit are peeled, and hung in the sun (Japan) or sliced and oven-dried (Western countires).  Dried fruit are also used as a source of sugar in China.  Fruit are cured by soaking in vinegar or immersing in boiling water and letting the fruit stand for 12 hours; fruit may also be cured by spraying with ethanol, ethylene gas, or carbon dioxide (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Fruit contain large amounts of potassium and are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C (PERENNIAL, JANICK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Fruit contains antioxidant compounds including polyphenols and anti-cancer compounds including ß-cryptoxanthins.  A mixture of the calyx and fruit stem are used to cure hiccups and coughs (JANICK, MORTON).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:   Florida, California; southern states; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
5. Other commercial production regions:  China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Himalayas, the Khasi Hills of northern India, Brazil, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Iran, the Mediterranean coast of France, Italy, and other European countries, Southern Russia, Algeria.  A young tree yields approximately 22.6 to 40.8 kilograms (50 to 96 pounds) of fruit per year.  A mature tree yields approximately 150 to 250 kilograms (330 to 550 pounds) of fruit per year.  According to 2002 FAO statistics, the global production of persimmon totaled 2,328,919 tonnes (2,567,193 tons).  Approximately 71.3% of the production was from China, and 11.6% each was from Korea and Japan.  According to FAOSTAT, in 2007, China was the number one producing country, producing 2,332,962 tonnes (2,571,650 tons) of fruit; Korea was second, producing 395,614 tonnes (436,089 tons), Japan was third, producing 244,800 tonnes (269,845 tons), Brazil was fourth, producing 159,851 tonnes (176,205 tons), and Azerbaijan was fifth, producing 128,407 tonnes (141,544 tons) (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON, FAOSTAT).
6. Use:  Fruit, sugar, wood, ornamental, source of rootstocks, medicinal purposes; tannin from the unripe fruit is used in brewing sake, dyeing, and as a wood preservative; juice of wild persimmons is used as an insect and moisture repellent (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Edible peel and inner pulp (JANICK)
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit

9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:  Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  005 (FT 0307, FT 4113, and FT 4105)  Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, FAOSTAT.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Regions 3, 4, 6, 10, and 13.
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  DOSSS (listed as Diospyros L. spec), DOSKA (D. khaki), DOSTE (D. texana), DOSVI (D. virginiana)

1. Pitomba
      Myrtaceae
      Eugenia luschnathiana Klotzsch ex O. Berg [(syn: Eugenia lucescens Nied., Phyllocalyx luschnathianus O. Berg (GRIN))]
2. A slow-growing, upright, spreading tree that reaches a height of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) and a width of 5 meters (15 feet).  Native to Bahia, Brazil.  The trunk is light brown to tan.  Foliage is dense.  Leaves are dark green on the upper surface, pale green on the lower surface, evergreen, glossy, opposite, short-petioled, oblong-lanceolate in shape and 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long.  New growth contains bronze hairs on the undersides of the leaves.  White to yellowish flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils, long-stalked, 4-petalled and up to 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide.  Orange to bright orange-yellow fruit is ovoid or broad-obovate in shape, 4-lobed, and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) in diameter.  The skin is smooth, thin and tender.  Each fruit contains 4 to 5 green sepals on the apex that measure 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) long.  Within each fruit there is one round or 2 to 4 irregular angular seeds.  Seeds are light tan in color and 1 to 1.6 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) in diameter.  The soft, juicy aromatic pulp is yellow in color and has the texture of an apricot; the flavor is sweet, acid or slightly resinous (PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS, DALEYSFRUIT).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs April to May in Florida and April to June elsewhere.  Fruit matures in 30 to 60 days (May to July).  Fruit ripen in November and December in Brazil.  Sometimes there is a light fall crop.  Trees bear fruit after reaching approximately 1.1 meter (3.5 feet) high.  (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires tropical to warm subtropical climate.  Plants grow well in full sun and a variety of soils that are fertilized and frequently/heavily watered.  Prefers acidic soils.  Tolerant of saline conditions, partial shade, and light frosts up to 3 °C (27 °F).  Not tolerant of drought during blooming and fruit development.   Propagation is by seed and grafting.  Seedlings produce fruit of varying sizes.  Superior varieties are veneer-grafted.  Cultivated locally and grown in botanical gardens (PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh; may also be made into jellies, preserves, fruit leathers and carbonated beverages (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop Photos
4. Production in U.S.:  A few specimens have been grown in southern Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON).
5. Other commercial production regions:  Brazil; introduced elsewhere; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL).
6. Use:  Fruit, home garden plant, hedge, container plant (GRIN, PERENNIAL, QUISQUALIS).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  No specific entry.  General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS.
11. Production map:  No specific entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  EUELU
                                      487
1. Pomerac [Malay apple, mountain-apple, Otaheite-apple, rose-apple, jamboissier rouge, poirier de Malaque, pomme malac, Malakka-Apfel, Malayapfel, jambu bol, manzana de agua, pomarrosa de Malaca (GRIN))]
      Myrtaceae
      Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry [(syn: Caryophyllus malaccensis (L.) Stokes, Eugenia malaccensis L. (GRIN))]
2. A fast-growing, medium-size tree reaching a height of 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet).  Native to Malaysia.  The trunk is erect, short, fluted and 4.5 meters (15 feet) in diameter.  The crown is conical, pyramidal or cylindrical in shape.  The outer bark is flaky and pale gray, while the inner bark is pinkish brown.   Leaves are evergreen, soft-leathery, dark-green, glossy, simple, opposite, elliptic-lanceolate, ovate, oblong, or oblanceolate in shape, and 15 to 46 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) long by 9 to 20 centimeters (3.5 to 8 inches) wide.  New leaves are wine-red to pink-buff in color.  Petioles are short, red and 0.2 to 1 centimeter (0.1 to 0.4 inch) long.  Showy flowers are abundant, mildly fragrant, in short-stalked clusters of 2 to 8, and borne on the upper trunk, leaf axils, and along leafless areas of mature branches.  Each flower is funnel-like at the base and is composed of 5 thick, green sepals, many 4 centimeter (2 inch) long stamens with anthers, and 4 pinkish-purple, dark-red or sometimes white, yellow, or orange petals.  Flowers are approximately 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide.  Yellow, pink, rose-red, crimson, purple or red to pink-streaked fruit is pear-shaped, ovoid, oblong, or obovoid in shape, short-stalked, and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inch) long by 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide at the apex.  The skin is thin, smooth and waxy.  Fruit pulp is crisp to spongy, juicy and white; the flavor is sweet to bland.  Some suggest the flavor is apple-like.  Most fruit contain 1 to 2 light-brown oblate, hemispherical or round seeds that measure 1.6 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) in width.  Some fruit are seedless (PERENNIAL, MORTON, BARWICK, WHISTLER).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Main flowering occurs from May to June in Florida and Java, August to November in the South Pacific, May to February in Fiji, February and June to October in Vanuatu, March to April in Hawaii, and November to December and April to May in Pohnpei.  In Puerto Rico, flowering occurs during the spring, summer and fall.  Flowering takes place in 40 to 60 days.  Fruit matures in 30 to 60 days.  Fruit ripening occurs from August to September in Java, May to July and November to December in India, November to February in the South Pacific, June to December in Hawaii, January to February and June to December in Pohnpei, and September to May in Vanuatu.  In Kingston, Jamaica, fruit ripening is completed during the first week of June.  Fruit production occurs in 5 to 6 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, MORTON, WHISTLER).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires hot, wet, humid to sub-humid, tropical climate, full sun, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.4, an annual rainfall of 152 centimeters (60 inches) or more and a mean annual temperature of 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F).  Native to lowland and montane rainforests.  Grows from sea-level to 1,219 meters (4,000 feet).  Low-lying islands, moist coastal areas, and volcanic soils are prefered.  In India, trees grow best on the banks of ponds, lakes and streams.  Tolerates a variety of soils including sand and heavy clay and partial shade.  Moderate drought tolerance.  Not tolerant of soils with a high pH, waterlogging, and frost.  Propagation is by seed, air-layering, budding, cuttings, and grafting.  Seeds should be planted 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) deep directly in the field.  Germination occurs in 2 to 4 weeks.  Cuttings are transplanted 6 weeks after taking root.  Superior plants are propagated by budding.  For commercial production, trees should be spaced 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet) apart.  Fertilization and irrigation aid plant growth.  Commercial production occurs in Java, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bengal and South India.  Fruit should be hand-picked from the tree as soon as full color is reached.  Fruit do not store well (PERENNIAL, MORTON, BARWICK, WHISTLER).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruit are sold in local markets and along streets where the tree is grown; locally consumed, rather than exported (MORTON, WHISTLER).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh, stewed with cloves, cooked with acidic fruit, processed into wine, preserved, or served with cream for dessert.  In Guyana, fruit is peeled and stewed and the skin is cooked separately to make a syrup.  Petals of the red-flowered hibiscus are added to the fruit to give it color.  Unripe fruit are made into jelly and pickles.  In Indonesia, flowers are consumed in salads and preserved in syrup.  Young leaves and shoots are consumed raw with rice or cooked (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  A decoction of bark is used to aid cuts, mouth infections, throat infections, stomachaches and coughs; leaves are used to aid mouth infections and soothe skin; roots are used to alleviate itching, edema, and urinary problems.  Root bark is used to cure gastrointestinal issues.  A decoction of the fruit, leaves or seeds is used to reduce fevers.  The plant is also used for various conditions such as constipation, diabetes, coughs, pulmonary problems and headaches.  Seeded fruit, seed, bark, and leaves contain antibiotic activity and effect blood pressure and respiration (MORTON, WHISTLER).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Hawaii, Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (MORTON).
5. Other production regions:  Tropics, West Indies, Indonesia, Malaysia, Java, Philippines, Vietnam, Bengal, South India, Malacca, East Africa, Melanesia, Polynesia, Micronesia, Bermuda, St. Croix, Brazil, Surinam, Central America, Southeast Asia; the yield varies from 21 to 85 kilograms (46 to 188 pounds) per tree (GRIN, MORTON, PERENNIAL, WHISTLER).
6. Use:  Fresh fruit, table wine in Puerto Rico; ornamental; medicinal purposes; homegardens; wood is used for construction, railway ties, and bowls (MARKLE, PERENNIAL, MORTON, WHISTLER).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (MORTON).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  005 (FT 0308) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, MARKLE, BARWICK, PLANTS DATABASE, WHISTLER, PERENNIAL.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  SYZMA

1. Rambai [(rambi (GRIN))]
	Phyllanthaceae.  Also placed in:  Euphorbiaceae
      Baccaurea motleyana (Müll. Arg.) Müll. Arg.  [(syn: Pierardia motleyana Müll. Arg. (basionym) (GRIN))]
2. A slow-growing tree that reaches a height of 9 to 25 meters (30 to 82 feet).  Native to the lowlands of Malaya.  The trunk is short, thick, and up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in diameter.  The crown is low, broad, dense and round.  New branchlets are silky-hairy.  Dark green, glossy leaves are evergreen, spiraled, elliptic, elliptic-lanceolate, or obovate-lanceolate in shape and 15 to 33 centimeters (6 to 13 inches) long by 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) wide.  The upper surface of each leaf contains indented veins; the lower leaf surface is greenish-brown and hairy.  The petiole is 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long and hairy.  Flowers are fragrant, small, petalless, and contain 4 to 6 chartreuse hairy sepals.  Female flowers are arranged in racemes that measure 25 to 76 centimeters (10 to 30 inches) long.  Male flowers are arranged in racemes that are 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long.  Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.  Salmon-colored to brownish yellow fruit is ovoid, 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long, and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) in diameter.  Fruit hang in small showy clusters from the older branches and trunk.  The skin is thin, velvety, and wrinkled when mature.  Pulp is whitish, translucent, and in 3 to 5 segments; the flavor is sweet to acid.  Each segment contains one brown flat seed that measures 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inches) long (PERENNIAL, MORTON, ECOCROP).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs May to July.  Fruiting occurs July to October (EFLORAS).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands and forests.  Thrives at elevations up to 750 meters (2,461 feet).  Prefers alluvial soils near rivers or other bodies of water.  Propagation is by seed and grafting (PERENNIAL, ECOCROP).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh, stewed or preserved; processed into wine and jam (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Bark is used to soothe eye inflammations (MORTON).
      g. Crop Photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other commercial production regions:  Southeast Asia including Thailand and Vietnam; region of Malesia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia); grows wild in Bangha and Borneo; no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).
6. Use:  Fruit, shade tree, ornamental; wood used for posts; bark used as a mordant for dyes; medicinal purposes; rootstock (GRIN, MORTON, ECOCROP).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel.
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, MORTON, ECOCROP, EFLORAS, TRADE WINDS.
11. Production map:  No entry (PLANTS DATABASE)
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  BCCMO

                                      514
1. Rose Apple [(jambos, Malabar-plum, jamboes, jambosier, pomme-rose, Rosenapfelbaum, manzana rosa, pomarrosa, yambo, (GRIN))]
      Myrtaceae
      Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston [(syn: Caryophyllus jambos (L.) Stokes, Eugenia jambos L. (basionym) (GRIN))]
2. A shrub or tree growing 8 to 15 meters (25 to 50 feet) tall and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter.  The width is usually greater than the height of the tree.  Native to the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia.  The crown is dense, wide, and spreading; Branches are slender, wide-spreading and low.  The trunk is cylindrical to quadrangular in shape and twisted at the base.  Bark is grayish to pale-brown, smooth and furrowed.  Leaves are evergreen, leathery, glossy, dark-green, opposite, lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate or narrow-elliptic in shape, pointed at the tip, 10 to 23 centimeters (4 to 9 inches) long by 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) wide.  Young leaves are pinkish in color.  The leaf stalk is 0.5 to 1.3 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inch) long.  Creamy-white or greenish-white sweetly-scented flowers are borne in large, showy terminal clusters of 4 to 5 on the tips of twigs or leaf corners.  Each flower is 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) wide and contains approximately three hundred, 4 centimeter (1.5 inch) long stamens, a 4-lobed calyx, and 4 concave petals.  Pale-yellow, greenish, whitish or pink-blushed fruit are round, oval or pear-shaped, contain a tough green calyx, and measure 4 to 5 centimeters (1.5 to 2 inches) long by 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) in diameter.  The skin is smooth and thin.  The pulp is crisp, mealy, dry or juicy and yellowish in color; the flavor is sweet and resembles the scent of roses.  The center of the fruit is hollow and contains 1 to 4 brown, rough, hard, round seeds that measure 1 to 1.6 centimeters (0.375 to 0.625 inch) thick.  The seeds rattle when the fruit is shaken.  Fruit do not resemble apples (MORTON, CRFG, JANICK, PIER).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Trees bloom and fruit sporadically almost all year in Jamaica and Puerto Rico; fruiting occurs less during the summer.  In the Bahamas and Flordia, the main season is May to July.  In southern India, blooming occurs in January and ripening occurs in March to April.  In the Circars, ripening occurs in April and May.  In central India, flowering occurs February to April and ripening occurs June to July.  There are also varieties that fruit in February and March.  Fruiting occurs in 4 years from seed (MORTON, CRFG).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires tropical to near-tropical climate.  Prefers elevations of sea-level to 2,286 meters (7,500 feet), deep, loamy soil, full sun, wet lowland habitats, forests, or moist uplands.  In India, trees prefer banks of canals and streams.  Tolerates semi-arid conditions, some wind, cool coastal condtions, sand to limestone soils with little organic matter, and temperatures to 4 °C (25 °F).  Does not tolerate prolonged drought.  Mostly propagated by seed.  Some vegetative propagation has been conducted including air-layering, cuttings, and veneer grafting.  Trees take up a large amount of space.  Fruits bruise easily and are highly perishable (MORTON, CRFG, PIER).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruit are seldom marketed (MORTON).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Consumed fresh mostly by children; fruit can be stewed with sugar and served as dessert or cooked with custards or puddings.  Hollow fruit may be stuffed with rice and meat mixtures and baked.  Fruit can be processed into jam or jelly or preserved with other fruits; can be made into a syrup and used in sauces or drinks.  Halved or sliced fruit are candied in Jamaica.  In southeast Asia, fruit are dipped in soy or fish sauce.  Flowers are candied (MORTON; CRFG, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  The seeds, roots, stems, bark and leaves are said to be poisonous; fruit have very low nutritional value (MORTON, JANICK).

      f. Medicinal aspects:  In India, fruit is used as a tonic for the brain and liver and as a diuretic; sweetened flowers are used to reduce fevers; seeds are used to cure diarrhea and reduce excess mucus.  In Nicaragua, an infusion of the roasted, powdered seeds are used to aid diabetics.  In Colombia, the seeds are used as an anesthetic.  A leaf decoction is used to aid sore eyes; it also serves a diuretic, expectorant, fever-reducer, itch reliever, and treatment for rheumatism.  The bark is used to induce vomiting and relieve asthma and bronchitis.  In Cuba, roots are used to cure epilepsy (MORTON).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands; naturalized in the Southeastern United States; grown as an ornamental in California; no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON).
5. Other production regions:  East and West Indies, Indonesia, Malaya; cultivated and naturalized in many parts of India, Sri Lanka, former Indochina, and the Pacific Islands; naturalized in South Africa, west tropical Africa including Ghana, the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Reunion, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, tropical Southern America, Mascarenes, Seychelles and Galapagos, Australia; in India, a single mature tree can yield 2 kilograms (5 pounds) of fruit each season (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, CRFG, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
6. Use: Fresh fruit, jams and jelly and candied; medicinal purposes, ornamental, weed; invasive in some areas; living fence around coffee plantations; fruits are used to make rosewater; branches are used to make hoops for sugar casks and baskets in Puerto Rico; bark is used for tanning and yields a brown dye; wood is used for furniture, spokes for wheels, knees for boats, beams for construction, frames for musical instruments, general turnery, and packing cases; fuelwood; wood for charcoal; essential oil from the leaves is used in the perfume industry; flowers are a source of nectar for bees (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, JANICK, PIER).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (MORTON).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  005 (FT 0309) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, MARKLE, CRFG, JANICK, PIER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  SYZJA

1. Rumberry [(arazá-de-água, camu-camu (GRIN))]
      Myrtaceae
      Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh [(syn: Myrciaria paraensis O. Berg, Psidium dubium Kunth (basionym) (GRIN))]
2.  A low-growing bushy shrub reaching a height of 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet).  Grows throughout the Amazon rainforest in swampy or flooded areas.  The evergreen opposite leaves are large, lanceolate to elliptic in shape, bushy and feathery.  Individual leaves are 3 to 20 centimeters (1 to 8 inches) in length and 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) wide.  Fragrant flowers are small and have waxy white petals.  Small, red to purple fruits are round berries that measure 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) in diameter.  The cherry-like fruit contains smooth, leathery skin.  Fruit is extremely high in vitamin C content.  Because the flavor of the fruit is sour and acidic, the fruit is usually prepared into drinks and ice creams (WIKIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS, RAIN-TREE, PENN, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Harvests are seasonal and occur once per year, in synchrony with the annual cycle of precipitation.  Plants flower at the end of the dry season and fruit at the peak of the rainy season (WIKIPEDIA).
      b. Cultivation:  The tree naturally occurs in locally dense populations or even monospecific stands in Amazonian flood plains and riparian vegetation.  The plant is tolerant of flooding and can withstand 4 to 5 months with the roots submerged in water.  Fruit from wild trees is harvested directly into canoes.  The tree is relatively easy to cultivate.  Plants survive best in hot, damp tropical climates, with large amounts of rainfall, but can grow in the subtropics, surviving temperatures just above freezing.  Propagation is through seed.   In cultivation, the tree begins bearing fruit after 4 to 6 years.  Suggested planting densities are 600 to 1,100 trees/ha (WIKIPEDIA).
      c. Availablity in the marketplace:  The fruit has only recently come into large-scale cultivation and sale to the world market.  Japan is the major buyer.  The high vitamin C content of the fruit has created a demand for the fruit in the natural products market.  Herbal supplement companies in the United States are marketing rumberry extracts in powders and pills (WIKIPEDIA, RAIN-TREE).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Due to the acidity and sour taste, the fruit must be prepared using a blender, dilution in milk/water and addition of sugar (WIKIPEDIA).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  The fruit provides up to 2 grams (0.1 ounce) of vitamin C per 100 grams (4 ounces) of fruit.  In comparison to oranges, the fruit provides thirty times more vitamin C, ten times more iron, three times more niacin, twice as much riboflavin, and 50% more phosphorus.  The fruit contains a significant source of potassium.  It also has a full complement of minerals and amino acids that can aid in the absorption of vitamin C.  In addition to the chemicals mentioned above, the fruit contains beta-carotene, calcium, leucine, protein, serine, thiamin, and valine (RAIN-TREE).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Herbal supplement companies market the fruit as a cure for viral infections, colds/flu, cold sores, autoimmune disorders and weight loss.  The fruit contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help with the absorption and efficient uptake of vitamin C (RAIN-TREE).
      g. Crop Photos:
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other commercial production regions:  Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Peru.  Wild trees have been found to yield an average of 9,000 to 12,000 kilograms (19,842 to 26,455 pounds) per hectare.  Planting densities of 600 to 1,100 trees per hectare yield about 12 tonnes (13 tons) of fruit.  With new techniques, higher yields can be achieved (GRIN, WIKIPEDIA).
6. Use:  Beverage base, fruit, medicinal purposes (GRIN).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (WIKIPEDIA).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, WIKIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS, RAIN-TREE, PENN, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION.
11. Production map:  No entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  No specific entry
                                      540
1. Sea grape [(Jamaican kino, platterleaf, shore sea-grape, raisinier bord de mer, Meertraubenbaum, uva-da-praia, cocoloba, uva-do-mar, uva caleta, uva de playa, uvero (GRIN))]
      Polygonaceae
      Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L.
2. An evergreen low shrub or spreading tree growing to a height of 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) and a width of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet).  Native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the West Indies.  Unpruned trees are vase-shaped and multiple-stemmed.  The trunk is contorted, stout and grows 0.6 meter (2 feet) in diameter.  Bark is thin, smooth, flaking and pale grey to light brown with light blotches.  The canopy is symmetrical, branches are thick and smooth, and the foliage is lush.  Leaves are large, broad, alternate, simple, entire, stiff, leathery, rounded to heart-shaped and 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long by 7 to 17 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) wide.  Each leaf has a sheath that surrounds the stem at the point of insertion and each blade contains reddish veins.  New leaves are bronze in color.  Old leaves turn red before falling.  Flowers are borne on 10 to 30 centimeter (4 to 12 inches) long hanging terminal or lateral racemes.  Each flower is fragrant, greenish-white, small, and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) wide.  Male and female flowers are located on different plants.  Bees and insects are the main pollinators.  Red, purple or off-white fruit are spherical, pear-shaped, or ovoid berries that grow in clusters.  Each fruit measures 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch) in diameter.  Aprroximately 40 to 50 fruit are contained in one cluster and have the appearance of a bunch of grapes.  The skin is thin and velvety.  Each fruit contains one elliptical-shaped nut that contains a short sharp point on one end and measures 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long.  Clusters do not ripen simulataneously.  The flavor is sweet, acid, bland or musky (PERENNIAL, JANICK, GILMAN 175, FED, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BARWICK).
3. Crop data:
      a. Season:  Flowering takes place throughout the year, but most commonly from January to August.  Ripening occurs from March to October.  Fruit deveolop and ripen in 2 months.  Fruit is produced in 4 to 8 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from cuttings (JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires warm tropical lowlands, coastal areas, full sun and elevations from sea level to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet).  Grows on rocky to sandy shores, coastal woodlands, and forms thickets on dunes.  Rarely grows inland.  Thrives on slightly to moderately alkaline, well-drained, loamy sands.  Also grows on rocky calcareous soils and other freely-drained soils.  Tolerant of a wide range of rainfall (50 to 150 centimeters (20 to 59 inches)), partial shade, a variety of soil conditions, dry seasons of up to 8 months, salt spray and drought.  Not tolerant of excessive humidity and extended periods of frost.  Young trees are injured when temperatures reach 0 °C (32 °F).  Mature trees tolerate temperatures of -5 °C (23 °F) for short periods of time.  Grows slowly in windy locations.  Propagation is by seed, air layering, ground layering, veneer grafting and hardwood cuttings.  Seeds should be planted in or on light-textured, well-drained soil; germination occurs in 18 to 50 days.  Transplanting occurs in 4 to 5 months, when the plant is 15 centimeters (6 inches) tall.  During the seedling stage, plants should be watered well and placed in a sunny location protected from wind.  Pruning and training should be done during the first ten years.  A complete fertilizer should be applied 2 to 3 times per year.  Currently, the fruit is not grown commercially.  It is harvested from the wild.  Fruit are picked individually, since ripening is not simultaneous in clusters (PERENNIAL, JANICK, GILMAN 175, FED).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Not commercially produced; viewed as "exotic" (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh; made into jelly, preserves, ice cream, sherbets or wine (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FED).
	e. Nutritional aspects:  Fruit pulp is low in fat (JANICK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Fruit juice is used to reduce fevers.  Bark resins are used to treat throat problems.  The root is used used to aid dysentery (JANICK).
	g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.:  Home gardens along the Gulf Coast; Florida; ornamental in Hawaii; no yield data is available (GRIN, MARKLE, FED).
5. Other production regions: Tropical America, along the American Atlantic, the Pacific Coasts of the tropics and subtropics between 25 °N and 10 °S, the Antilles, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).
6. Use:  The fruit is utilized for making jellies, jams or wine; eaten out of hand as a fresh fruit.  It is widely used as an ornamental in coastal areas; erosion control and dune stabilization, windbreak, bonsai, hedge, ground cover; medicinal purposes; wood is used to make furniture, cabinetry and ships; wood is used to make charcoal and serves as firewood; bark resins are used in tanning and dyeing; the plant is a good honey producer (GRIN, GILMAN 175, PERENNIAL, JANICK, FED, BARWICK).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (JANICK).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel
	b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
	c. Codex Group:  005 (FT 0310) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel
	d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, GILMAN 175, FED, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BARWICK.
11. Production Map:  EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  CODUV
                                      541
1. Sentul  [(donka, kechapi, sentul, red santol, sentol, faux mangoustan, sandorique, Sandoribaum, santol (GRIN))]
      Meliaceae
      Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. f.) Merr. [(syn: Melia koetjape Burm. f. (basionym), Sandoricum indicum Cav. (GRIN))]
2. A large, semi-deciduous, fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 15 to 45 meters (49 to 148 feet).  Native to Southeast Asia.  Trees contain milky sap.  The trunk is smooth and straight and the bark is pale.  Older trees are buttressed.  Young branches and leaves are hairy.  Older branches hang close to the ground.  Leaves are glossy, green on the upper surface, light green on the lower surface, spirally-arranged, and compound.  Each leaf contains three leaflets on long petioles that are elliptic, oblong or oblong-ovate in shape, pointed at the apex and 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long.  Margins on leaflets are entire.  Before falling, leaves turn turn red.  Flowers are borne in 10 to 30 centimeter (4 to 12 inch) long loose stalked panicles in the axils of young shoots.  Each slightly scented, pale green, greenish white, yellowish or pinkish-yellow flower contains 5 sepals, 5 reflexed petals, and united stamens that form a fleshy tube of ten anthers.  Flowers measure 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide by 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long.  Golden yellow to yellow-orange fruit is a spherical or oblate firm berry that measures 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) in diameter and weighs 50 to over 300 grams (2 to 11 ounces).  The skin is pubescent at maturity, smooth or wrinkled, thin or thick, and emits a slightly milky juice when damaged.  The fruit peduncle is attached to a shallow cavity.  Immature fruit are green.  The outer pericarp is thick, tough and leathery, while the inner aril is soft, white, translucent, juicy and fibrous.  The flavor is sour, sweet or subacid.  Each fruit contains 3 to 5 large brown triangular-shaped seeds that measure 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long.  The two types of sentuls are the Yellow and the Red.  The Red is more common than the Yellow.  A popular tropical Asian fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs from April to May in Florida.  In other areas, flowering occurs for a period of 3 months, following leaf shed.  Flowers open from 6 to 8 p.m.  Fruit maturation occurs in approximately 120 days to 6 months.  Fruit ripens from August to September in Florida, June to July in the Malayan Peninsula, and July to October in the Philippines.  Asexually propagated trees bear fruit 3 to 5 years after planting (PERENNIAL, JANICK).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands with fertile medium-acid soil.  Does best in a wet monsoonal climate with average temperatures of 22 °C (72 °F), and well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5.  A backyard tree in tropical Asia and a semi-wild tree in second-growth forests.  Grown with other fruit trees; not grown as a monoculture.  Tolerates drought, areas with annual rainfall of 80 centimeters (32 inches), cold, a variety of soils, and temperatures up to 40 °C (104 °F).  Large mature trees tolerate light frost.  Trees can recover from severe damage from -3 °C (27 °F) frosts.  Can survive at elevations up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet).  Propagation is by seed, inarching, approach grafting, cleft grafting, shield budding, and air layering.  Seeds are prepared for planting by rubbing the seed coat with sand and washing with water.  Seeds must be planed fresh or viability is lost.  Germination occurs in 20 to 23 days.  Propagation by seed may produce undesirable fruit.  Seedlings can be used as rootstocks in less than one year.  Trees that are asexually propagated are smaller and bushier.  Trees should be planted at the start of the rainy season in a field that is deeply ploughed and harrowed.  Before transplanting, old leaves should be removed and leaves left on the trees should be pruned to half their size to lower the transpiration rate.  Pruning should also be done before fruiting to develop the main branching system and a low, spreading crown.  Spacing should be 8 by 8 meters (26 by 26 feet) to 14 by 14 meters (46 by 46 feet).  Windbreaks should be placed near the trees.  Good fruit are cultivated by regulating fruit load and wrapping young fruit.  Fruit are harvested when ripe or when the skin turns yellow.  Harvesting is accomplished by knocking the fruit down with a long bamboo pole into a net and transferring the fruit into a basket.  The storage life is 3 weeks at 8 °C (46 °F) and a humidity of 90% (PERENNIAL, JANICK).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruit are sold in local markets.  Marmalade is exported from the Philippines to Oriental food dealers in the U.S. and elsewhere (MORTON).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh without peeling; can be preserved or processed into candy, chutney, jelly, marmalade and preserves.  In Bangkok, peeled fruit is consumed with a chilli sauce and in India fruit is consumed with a number of spices.  Preserving occurs by paring and quartering the fruit, cooking it in syrup, and placing it in jars.  Young fruit are candied by paring the fruit, removing the seeds, boiling the fruit in water, and boiling the fruit a second time in sugar.  In the Philippines, fruit are peeled by dipping the fruit in hot water for 2 minutes, a lye solution at 93 °C (200 °F) for 3 to 5 minutes, and a cold water bath.  Following this process, fruit are commercially preserved.  Very ripe fruit are fermented with rice to create an alcoholic drink (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  Fruit is high in carbohydrates, fair in iron and low in calcium (JANICK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  Pounded bark is used to treat ringworm; leaf decoctions are used to reduce fevers and itching; root infusions and decoctions are used as a general tonic and in treating diarrhea, and spasms; stem bark is used to treat colic.  Pulp is used as an astringent (JANICK, MORTON).
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  Grows well in South Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON).
5. Other production regions:  Tropical and Southeast Asia, Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines), former Indochina including Cambodia and Southern Laos, the Malay Peninsula, India, the Andaman Islands, the Moluccas, Mauritius; cultivated elsewhere in the tropics.  Experimental data indicates that annual yields can reach up to 14 tonnes (15 tons) per hectare.  Mature trees produce up to 22.5 tonnes (25 tons) of fruit per hectare.  In the Philippines in 1991, there were over 1.6 million productive trees (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).
6. Use: The fruit is usually consumed raw without peeling.  With the seeds removed, the fruit is made into jam or jelly; fruit is preserved; ornamental, backyard tree, provider of shade/shelter, medicinal purposes; in the Philippines bark is used in tanning fishing lines; wood is used to make house-posts, barrels, cabinets, boats, carts, sandals, and household items; firewood (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Whole fruit (MORTON).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  006 (FI 0364) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK.
11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3.
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  SNOKO

1. Sete-capotes  [(sete-capas, marmelero, siete capotes (GRIN))]
      Myrtaceae
      Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg [(syn: Britoa sellowiana O. Berg (GRIN))]
2. A tree that grows 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) tall.  Native to Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.  Leaves are marked with deep depressions, or lobes.  Yellow-green fruit is round and measures 2.5 centimeters in diameter. The skin is velvety.  The flavor is sour (E-JARDIM).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Fruiting occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed (E-JARDIM).
      b. Cultivation:  Requires subtropical climates, full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter.  Grown along the Alto Uruguay River, the Araucaria Forest and the Santa Catarina Highlands.   Tolerates tropical climates.  In warmer climates, trees should be placed in partial shade locations.  Trees should be fertilized regularly (E-JARDIM).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  No specific entry.
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed fresh; may be processed into juice and ice cream (E-JARDIM).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data (GRIN).
5. Other production regions:  Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay; no yield data is available (GRIN).
6. Use:  Ornamental, fruit (GRIN).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Fruit (GRIN).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, E-JARDIM.
11. Production Map:  No entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  No specific entry

1. Silver aspen
      Rutaceae
      Acronychia wilcoxiana (F. Muell.) T.G. Hartley
2. A small, bushy tree growing up to 9 meters (30 feet) high.  Native to the Australian rainforests.  Leaves are shiny, smooth, dark green, 1-foliolate, obovate, oblanceolate, or oblong-elliptic in shape, and 6 to 22 centimeters (2 to 9 inches) long by 2.5 to 9 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) wide.  The apex of the leaf is rounded, pointed, or notched.  The base is wedge or heart-shaped.  The petiole is 0.6 to 3 centimeters (0.2 to 1.2 inches) long.  Inflorescences are 4 to 6.5 centimeters (1.6 to 2.6 inches) long.  Each whitish flower contains 0.12 to 0.3 centimeter (0.05 to 0.1 inch) long sepals and 0.85 to 1 centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inch) long petals.  White fruit are broad-ovoid to round in shape, 4 to 5 lobed, deeply furrowed between carpels when dry, grown in clusters at the end of branches and 0.8 to 2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.8 inch) in diameter.  The skin is smooth or contains an apical tuft of hairs.  Fruit may contain small ridges and waxy skin (HARDEN, DALEYSFRUIT, GOEBEL).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  Flowering occurs during autumn (HARDEN).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in coastal rainforests, further inland in subtropical rainforests, north from Gosford district or in coastal areas with full sun and adequate water.  Fruit is planted in plantations and collected wild from rainforest areas (HARDEN, DALEYSFRUIT, GOEBEL).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruit is sold commercially as juice (GOEBEL).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  Fruit is consumed as juice, wines and sauces.  Seeds are not consumed (GOEBEL).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  No specific entry.
      f. Medicinal aspects:  No specific entry.
      g. Crop photos
4. Production in U.S.:  No data.
5. Other production regions:  Australian rainforests, New South Wales, Queensland, coastal regions; approximately 100 hectares (247 acres) are grown (HARDEN, GOEBEL).
6. Use:  Fruit (GOEBEL).
7. Part(s) of plant consumed:  Fruit (GOEBEL).
8. Portion analyzed/sampled:  Whole fruit.
9. Classifications:
      a. Authors Class:Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.
      b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup):  Miscellaneous
      c. Codex Group:  No specific entry.  General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.
      d. EPA Crop Definition:  None
10. References:  CODEX, HARDEN, DALEYSFRUIT, GOEBEL.
11. Production Map:  No entry
12. Plant Codes:
      a. Bayer / EPPO Code:  No entry.

                                      578
1. Starfruit [(Belimbing manis, carambola, carambolier, Karambole, Sternfrucht, carambolo (GRIN, MARKLE))]
      Oxalidaceae; also placed in:  Averrhoaceae
      Averrhoa carambola L.
2. A small, slow-growing, short-trunked, bushy deciduous tropical tree reaching a height of 8 to 9 meters (26 to 30 feet).  Native to Indochina, Malaysia, and Indonesia.  The tree contains a rounded top and a smooth, grayish to dark trunk.  The dark green leaves are alternate, petiolate and pinnate and may reach 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 10 inches).  Each leaf consists of 5 to 11 medium-green pinnate opposite leaflets that are ovoid, ovate-lanceolate, or oblong elliptic and range in size from 3.8 to 9 centimeters (1.5 to 3.5 inches) long.  Leaflets are sensitive to light and fold together at night.  Red-stalked lilac purple-streaked downy flowers measuring 6 mm (0.25 inch) wide are found in small clusters on the twigs and in the axils of the leaves during much of the year.  Fruits are showy, oblong, and longitudinally 5 to 6 angled, growing 6.35 to 16 centimeters (0.5 to 6 inches) long and up to 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) wide.  The skin is thin, waxy, and orange-yellow at maturity.  The yellow flesh is juicy and crisp.  Slices cut in cross section are the shape of a star.  The flavor ranges from sour to mildly sweet, resembling apples.  Three to 15 flat, thin brown seeds are present in the fruit.  The fruit is consumed in many dishes; the tree is used as an ornamental; there are many medicinal uses (MARKLE, MORTON, NAKASONE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL).
3. Crop Data:
      a. Season:  In India, the fruit is available in September and October and again in December and January.  In Malaya, fruits are produced all year.  In Florida, scattered fruits are found throughout the year, but the main crop matures from late summer to early winter.  Some trees have fruited heavily in November and December and again in March and April.  Weather conditions account for variability.  In many areas, trees have several cycles of flowers and fruit during the year.  Fruit take twelve to sixteen weeks to develop fully from flowering.  Fruits fall to the ground when ripe.  For marketing and shipping, fruits are hand-picked while pale-green with a touch of yellow.  Fruits bruise easily (MORTON, MARKLE, VAN WYK, BARWICK, CULL).
      b. Cultivation:  Grown in tropical and subtropical areas.  Mature trees can tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods of time.  Thrives in full sun, at elevations of up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet); requires evenly distributed rainfall of 180 centimeters (70 inches) per year.  Prefers well-drained, rich clay loam soils.  Propagated from seed, grafting, budding and air layering.  Seeds germinate in damp peat moss in one week during the summer months or 14 to 18 days in the winter.  For mass production, side-veneer grafting of mature, purplish wood onto starfruit seedlings is used.  Plants are spaced 4 to 9 meters (13 to 30 feet) apart (MORTON, CULL, VAN WYK).
      c. Availability in the marketplace:  Fruits were once viewed as a curiosity in the U.S.; today some small groves have been established and the fruits are used as "conversation pieces" to decorate gift shipments and appear in the produce sections of some supermarkets.  Many U.S. shipments go to Vancouver, Quebec, Cleavand, and Disneyworld.  Small amounts are sold locally.  Fruits have been shipped successfully without refrigeration from Florida to northern cities.  Waxing extends storage life and preserves vitamin value.  The shelf life of the fruit is seven to twenty days.  Fruit are available in the subtropics from late summer through to late winter (MORTON, CULL).
      d. Preparation for cooking:  The whole fruit (skin, seeds, pulp) can be consumed.  The sweet varieties (Arkin, Fwang Tung, Thai Knight and Maha) are eaten fresh after slicing in salads and as garnishes.  The tart varieties (Golden Star, Thayer, Newcombe, Star King) are mainly used for cooking.  These varieties are cooked in puddings, tarts, stews, and curries.  In Thailand, green fruits are boiled with shrimp.  Underripe fruits are salted, pickled or made into jam.  In China, fruit are sliced lengthwise and canned in sirup for export.  In Queesnland, the sweeter varieties are cooked green as a vegetable.  Cross-sections of the fruit are covered with honey, allowed to stand overnight, are cooked briefly and put into jars.  A relish is made of chopped unripe fruits combined with horseradish, celery, vinegar, and seasonings.  Fruits are also dried and candied.  Fruits are used as a substitute for apples in recipes.  Starfruit juice is prepared into drinks.  Starfruit flowers are acid and added to salads or made into preserves.  Leaves are eaten as a substitute for sorrel (MARKLE, MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
      e. Nutritional aspects:  The oxalic acid content of ripe starfruit may adversely affect some individuals.  Starfruits are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, carotenoids, and nicotinamide (MORTON, LAMBERTS, VAN WYK).
      f. Medicinal aspects:  In India, ripe fruit is used to halt hemorrhages; the Chinese use the fruit as antidote for high blood pressure; In Thailand, the fruit is used to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics; in Indonesia, it is used to alleviate hypertension, gingivitis, and acne; dried fruit or juice is taken to counteract fevers; a conserve of the fruit is used to reduce gastrointestinal, kidney and bladder problems and hangovers; an ointment made from the fruit is said to relieve eye afflications and skin conditions.  The leaves, flowers, bark, roots and seeds are also used medicinally (MORTON, BARWICK).
      g. Crop photos.
4. Production in U.S.:  The majority of domestic production is from Florida.  One fruit grower and shipper has 20 hectares (50 acres) planted.  Fruit from Hawaii (14 hectares (35 acres) in 1994) must be treated prior to shipment to the mainland.  Approximately 0.9 tonnes (1 ton) of fruit was harvested from Guam in 1992; some production occurs in California.  The current annual estimated value of this crop is $1.5 million (MARKLE, MORTON, CRFG, LAMBERTS).
5. Other commercial production regions:  All tropical regions of the world; Indonesia, the Moluccas, the West Indies, some of the South Pacific islands, the provinces of Fukien, Kuangtung and Kuangsi in southern China, Sri Lanka.  Main production occurs in Taiwan, Malaysia, Brazil, Guyana, India, the Philippines, Australia, Israel, Florida, and Hawaii.  Individual trees that receive adequate horticultural attention have yielded 45 to 500 kilograms (100 to 1,102 pounds) of fruit.  Yields of 100 to 250 kilograms (220 to 551 pounds) per tree per year are common when there are two to three crops per year; no statistics are currently available about world production.  However, overall commercial carambola planting in the world is no more than 10,000 hectares (24,711 acres) (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, VAN WYK, JANICK).