Scientific name: Manilkara salzmannii
An evergreen tree endemic to the Brazilian coast, of the Sapotaceae family and a botanical relative of the sapodilla. In gardens it grows as a small-to-medium tree (in the wild 10-25 m are documented), with a dense rounded crown; simple, alternate, leathery and glossy obovate-elliptic leaves, some yellowing before shedding. The flowers are small, creamy-white and fragrant, with a calyx of two whorls of 3 lobes. The fruit is a small round-ovoid berry of about 1.6-2 cm (3-8 g), glossy red-orange when ripe, with sweet creamy-white flesh and a single glossy brown seed (rarely more). All parts exude abundant white latex — a hallmark of the family. Brix values and pulp yield suitable for fresh marketing and industry are documented in research. Its relatively high salt tolerance and adaptation to lean coastal sands explain its dominance in the Brazilian restinga; the tree is considered slow-growing (no scientific growth rate documented for the species). Field observations in Brazil record flowering mainly from May to October and fruit ripening in February-March — the exact schedule is not scientifically documented for the species and may differ in Israel. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern (LC).
25 ליטר - 800 ₪
Prices are updated according to nursery stock. Nationwide shipping in Israel; self-pickup is free.
Maçaranduba (Manilkara salzmannii) — An evergreen tree endemic to the Brazilian coast, of the Sapotaceae family and a botanical relative of the sapodilla. In gardens it grows as a small-to-medium tree (in the wild 10-25 m are documented), with a dense rounded crown; simple, alternate, leathery and glossy obovate-elliptic leaves, some yellowing before shedding. The flowers are small, creamy-white and fragrant, with a calyx of two whorls of 3 lobes. The fruit is a small round-ovoid berry of about 1.6-2 cm (3-8 g), glossy red-orange when ripe, with sweet creamy-white flesh and a single glossy brown seed (rarely more). All parts exude abundant white latex — a hallmark of the family. Brix values and pulp yield suitable for fresh marketing and industry are documented in research. Its relatively high salt tolerance and adaptation to lean coastal sands explain its dominance in the Brazilian restinga; the tree is considered slow-growing (no scientific growth rate documented for the species). Field observations in Brazil record flowering mainly from May to October and fruit ripening in February-March — the exact schedule is not scientifically documented for the species and may differ in Israel. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern (LC).
During the first two years water regularly — 2–3 times a week in summer, and in winter according to rainfall and soil moisture, letting the top layer dry between waterings. Established trees need less frequent irrigation. Good drainage matters most: standing water at the roots is more harmful than under-watering.
Protect young plants from frost with fleece, mulch, or by growing them in a container that can be moved to a sheltered spot. Mature trees are more resilient; in colder areas plant in a wind-sheltered corner.
Time to fruiting depends on plant size and propagation method: grafted plants fruit earlier than seedlings. Buying a larger, developed plant shortens the wait considerably. Regular watering, seasonal fertilizing, and correct placement have the greatest influence on first flowering.
You can buy Maçaranduba plants directly at Fill the Land nursery, 27 HaSe'ora St, Tzrufa, with nationwide shipping. Details and ordering: https://malo-et-haaretz.com/en/plant/manilkara-salzmannii.