Bacuri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bacuri |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Platonia
|
| Species: |
insignis
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Aristoclesia esculenta Stuntz |
|
The bacuri (scientific name: Platonia insignis) is a fascinating tree found in the humid forests of South America. It grows mainly in countries like Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, and Guyana, especially in the amazing Amazon rainforest. People also call it maniballi or naranjillo.
Platonia insignis is the only known species in its group, called Platonia. It belongs to the family called Clusiaceae.
Contents
About the Bacuri Tree
What Does It Look Like?
The bacuri tree is a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the dry season. It can grow very tall, reaching heights of 25 to 40 meters (about 82 to 130 feet). Its top part, called the crown, looks like a pyramid. The bark of the tree contains a lot of yellow latex, which is a milky sap.
The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the branches. They are simple, oblong, or oval-shaped, about 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long. They are a shiny dark green color with wavy edges and feel a bit leathery.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the bacuri tree are pink and quite large, about 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long. They have five petals and many stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen.
The fruit is round or oval-shaped, measuring 7 to 14 centimeters (3 to 5.5 inches) long. It has a thick, yellow skin and looks a bit like a papaya. If you press the rind, a yellow, sticky sap (latex) comes out. Inside, the fruit has a sticky white pulp that smells nice and tastes both sweet and sour. Each fruit usually has 3 to 5 seeds.
Interestingly, a bird called the white-bellied parrot helps the bacuri tree make new seeds. These parrots help spread the pollen from one flower to another, which is important for the tree to reproduce.
Uses of the Bacuri Fruit and Tree
People grow bacuri trees mainly for their delicious fruit. The fruit is used to make many different condiments and drinks. It's also very healthy because it has lots of phosphorus, iron, and vitamin C.
The seeds of the bacuri fruit are brown and oily. In some places, people use them as a home remedy to help treat skin problems. The wood of the bacuri tree is yellowish and is often used as timber for building or other projects.
Bacuri Oil and Butter
The oil from the bacuri seeds is special because it soaks into the skin very quickly. This is because it has a high amount of a substance called tripalmitin. It also contains a good amount of palmitoleic acid, which makes the oil great for softening and moisturizing the skin. This means it can help keep your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
See also
In Spanish: Platonia insignis para niños
