Wolf apple facts for kids
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The Wolf Apple is a special plant that grows in the Brazilian savanna. It belongs to the nightshade family, just like tomatoes and potatoes! In Portuguese, people call this plant lobeira or fruta-do-lobo, which means "wolf's fruit." It got its name because its fruit is a super important food for the Maned wolf, making up more than half of what they eat!
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About the Wolf Apple Plant
The scientific name for the Wolf Apple is Solanum lycocarpum. This name also connects to the wolf! "Lyco-" comes from an old Greek word, Lykos, meaning "wolf." And "carp" means "fruit." So, its scientific name literally means "wolf fruit."
What it Looks Like
The Wolf Apple plant can grow as a bush or even a small tree. It can reach up to about 5 meters (that's about 16 feet) tall! Its leaves are large and fuzzy, and its flowers are usually purple.
Where it Grows
This plant is found mostly in the Cerrado, which is a huge tropical savanna region in Brazil. The Cerrado has a mix of grasslands, shrubs, and small trees. It's a very important place for many unique animals and plants.
Uses and Safety
The ripe fruit of the Wolf Apple is safe to eat. It's quite big, like a large apple, and turns yellow or orange when it's ready. However, it's very important to know that the rest of the plant, including the leaves and unripe fruits, can be poisonous.
How People Use It
Local people in Brazil use the ripe Wolf Apple fruits to make tasty jams and other treats. The fruit is full of starch, which is a type of carbohydrate that gives energy. Sometimes, farmers also use the fruit to feed their livestock, like cows or pigs.
Images for kids
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A close-up of the Wolf Apple fruit.
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