Poraqueiba sericea

Poraqueiba sericea, known as umari, is a tropical evergreen tree. It belongs to the Metteniusaceae family. Its native range runs from southern Venezuela to Peru. It also grows in northern Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. It lives in wet rainforest on ground that does not flood. People gather its fruit from wild trees across the Amazon. They also grow it in home gardens for food.

The tree grows fast and keeps a dense, pyramid-shaped crown. Useful Tropical Plants gives a garden height of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Wild trees reach 49–82 feet [15–25 metres]. PFAF lists a height of 66 feet [20 metres]. It gives a spread of 59 feet [18 metres]. The straight trunk is roughly round in cross-section. It measures about 1–1.6 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] across. Its evergreen crown gives it a lasting presence in food gardens.

The yellowish fruit measures about 2.8 inches long and 2 inches wide. People eat the flesh raw or cook it. The pulp has a strong, distinct taste and scent. People serve it with manioc flour or make a bread spread. The fruit contains starch and about 12 percent oil. Both the pulp and seed yield oil for food. The sources report no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for every use. They list no known medicinal uses.

Grow umari in full sun or beneath light, broken shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and heavy clay soils. It can grow even where the soil has few nutrients. Good drainage matters, since the tree cannot stand flooding. Established trees can cope with drought. PFAF lists dry to moist soil and a broad pH range. It places the tree in USDA zones 10–12. Sow ripe seed soon after harvest in separate pots under partial shade. Seeds may sprout in 28–42 days. Young trees may be ready for planting out after seven to eight months.

Umari also has a place in mixed food plantings. Growers plant it with Brazil nut, cashew, uvilla, and Inga trees. Its hard wood serves for carpentry and indoor building work. The wood lacks durability, and people also turn it into charcoal. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2019 IUCN status of Least Concern. It cites a large population, wide range, and no major known threats.