Couma utilis

Couma utilis is an evergreen tree in the Apocynaceae family. Its common names include sorva, couma, and milk tree. It comes from lowland Amazonia in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. It grows in dense forest on flooded and dry ground. It also occurs near fields and grasslands on unflooded sites. People grow it in Brazil for fruit, latex, and ornament.

Garden height estimates range from 33–39 feet [10–12 metres]. PFAF gives a spread of about 33 feet [10 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants reports heights reaching 66 feet [20 metres]. Some trees reach 82 feet [25 metres]. The tree forms a broad, dense crown above a straight trunk. Its leaves are simple, with opposite or alternate placement. The trunk yields latex when tapped. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace.

The round, brown fruit has sweet flesh eaten raw. Each fruit measures about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] across. Its taste recalls mangaba, with a hint of sapodilla. People sell the fruit in local markets within its native range. The sweet latex also has food uses. People chew it as gum or add it to drinks. Both sources list no known hazards. This does not establish the safety of every plant part.

This tree suits warm, moist conditions in tropical lowlands. It grows best where temperatures stay around 20–30°C. Reported tolerance extends from 15–35°C. It accepts full sun or light, broken shade. Moist soil with good drainage suits it well. Sandy and loamy soils are suitable, including very acidic ground. Detailed growing notes favour a soil pH of 4.5–6. Established trees can withstand drought despite their moist-climate origins. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Fresh seed can sprout within 20–40 days in light shade.

The dense crown gives this useful fruit tree ornamental value. People also harvest wild trees for latex and wood. The latex serves in boat sealing, glues, varnishes, and ceramics. Traditional medicine uses it for diarrhoea, worms, and skin irritation. These reported uses do not establish treatment safety or effectiveness. The wood has a fine texture and straight grain. Carpenters use it for cabinets and general building work. Its low durability limits uses that demand lasting wood.