Garcinia gardneriana aka Achacha

Garcinia gardneriana, or bacupari, is an evergreen fruit tree in the Clusiaceae family. It comes from tropical South America and has a wide range. This includes Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela. It grows in rainforests and in forests along rivers. Most wild trees grow on ground that does not flood. Useful Tropical Plants reports its 2019 IUCN status as Least Concern. The species has a large population, with no major threats identified.

This small tree forms a dense crown and grows slowly. Garden listings give a height of about 26 feet [8 metres]. They give a spread of about 20 feet [6 metres]. Broader accounts place its height at 16–33 feet [5–10 metres]. Its trunk can reach 0.5–0.8 feet [0.15–0.25 metres] across. The tree keeps its leaves year-round. Gardeners grow it for fruit and as an ornamental tree. It also serves in urban tree planting within its native region.

The round fruit measures about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] across. People eat the white flesh raw. Sources describe its taste as both sweet and acidic. The fruit has little edible flesh, despite its good flavour. People gather fruit from wild trees and grow it in home gardens. It also has a place in food forests. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal uses. Both plant references report no known hazards. This does not establish the safety of every plant part for people or pets.

Bacupari grows in sun or partial shade and prefers moist soil. Wild trees tolerate forest shade, but sun encourages better fruit crops. Young trees in sun also start fruiting sooner than shaded trees. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. Its listed pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Trees can cope with short periods of flooding. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. Newly planted trees take time to establish and begin growing.

Fresh, ripe seed provides a means of propagation. Sow seeds in separate containers and keep them in shade. Reported germination exceeds 80 percent and takes 60–80 days. Seedlings grow slowly after they emerge. The wood is soft, with moderate weight and natural durability. Uses include tool handles, fence posts and general building work. The supplied accounts give no specific pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag the tree as weedy.