Hortiforum

General Info – Amazon Tree Grape, Uvilla, Puruma, Cucura, Imbauba

With its striking clusters of Grape-like fruits, the Amazon Tree Grape is a true exotic marvel, ideal for cultivation in any spacious tropical garden. Native to the Amazon, this medium-sized tree is named for its remarkable resemblance to grapes, both in the individual shape of its fruits and their clustering growth habit, the name “Amazon Tree Grape” is, therefore, quite fitting. The tree produces clusters of up to twenty grape-sized fruits that ripen to an alluring dark purple. While they closely resemble the Jaboticaba, or Brazilian Tree Grape, they are unrelated. The fruits’ slightly translucent white flesh is sweet, juicy, and flavourful, often compared to Grapes. They also contain a large seed that separates easily. Though the skin is inedible, it can be easily peeled away. Amazon Tree Grapes are delicious when eaten fresh, but they can also be used to make juice, jams, or even wine.
Native to the equatorial, ultratropical Western Amazon Basin, the Amazon Tree Grape thrives in its climate of relentless heat, humidity, and rainfall. This species strongly prefers truly tropical conditions, as it has no frost tolerance and is suitable for only the warmest subtropical climates. The tree requires abundant rainfall, typically receiving over 2,000 mm annually in its native habitat. While it is highly susceptible to drought, it can tolerate short periods of flooding. Amazon Tree Grapes favour fertile, loam-clay soils. Being dioecious, they require both male and female trees for fruit production, which can require substantial space for multiple trees.
Although not a towering giant of the rainforest like the Brazil Nut, the Amazon Tree Grape can grow to a substantial height of up to 20 metres, though it is more commonly around 10 to 15 metres when cultivated. Its distinctive multi-lobed, umbrella-like leaves closely resemble those of the Cecropia, which is reflected in its species name, Cecropiifolia. The Amazon Tree Grape belongs to the Urticaceae family, also known as the nettle family, which includes few commonly grown edible fruits, though it does feature the Giant Yellow Mulberry and Cecropia. These plants are fast-growing and can produce fruit relatively quickly from seed, often within just 2 to 3 years.

Plant Profile/Properties