return to: checklist; keys; family Malpighiaceae
Shrub or small tree;
leaves opposite, simple, ovate, margin entire, apex acute to acuminate;
flowers somewhat clustered on short side-shoots; calyx dominated
by paired green glands; petals pink, with narrow stalk-like base
(claw), spoon-shaped (spatulate), the uppermost with a fringed
margin; anthers yellow; fruit a small red drupe, edible.
Additional images:
Standley (1930) reports edible, medicinal, and industrial uses: the juicy fruits, somewhat acid in taste, are eaten raw or made into preserves; a bark decoction has been used to treat diarrhea; and the bark has also been used to tan leather. Listed as an important source of pollen and/or nectar for bees (Souza Novello 1981, Suarez Molina 1981).
