Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Muntingia calabura
Food
Firewood
Lumber
Medicinal
Ornamental
Product
Peru Common Name
Coillor panchu, Yumanaza
Tree Family
Muntingiaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
8.01cm
Length
×
2.55cm
Width
Tree Height
Small (10–20m)
Elevational Range (m)
350–2000m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Peru
Native to
Region
Americas
Latin America
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Venezuela
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Natural
Tree Management
Seeds are dispersed by animals, mainly birds. For germination, seeds require high temperature and light and seedlings do not tolerate shade. Half-mature wood cuttings and air layers can also be used. The fruits and seeds are very abundant and are collected directly from the tree. The fruits are opened manually to obtain the pulp that contains the tiny and abundant seeds. Soaking the seeds in boiling water for 30 seconds and then for 12 hours in cold water supports germination (65% on average), which happens between 12 and 30 days after planting. Seeds stored at 20ºC lose viability quickly. Growth in nursery is fast and seedlings can reach 25-30 cm in height in a span of 4 months. Trees of this species partially drop their leaves during the dry season. It has a low incidence of pests.
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Food
- Firewood
- Lumber
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
- Product
Used for interior coating, making small boxes, barrels and general carpentry. It is occasionally grown for its edible fruits that are rich in vitamin C, very good to eat raw, and can also be used in jams, cakes and pastries. The flowers are said to possess antiseptic properties. An infusion of the flowers is valued as an antispasmodic. It is taken to relieve headache and the first symptoms of a cold. The hard and silky fiber of the bark is used for supports and for making ropes and baskets.
The wood ignites quickly, burns with intense heat, and emits very little smoke.
Farm Services
- Coffee Shade
- Soil Improvement
- Reforestation
Coffee Shade: provides sparse to medium shade
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
The seeds are dispersed by animals, mainly birds. Frugivorous birds such as tanagers and euphonias eat the fruits and seeds, and nectarivorous birds such as hummingbirds, euphonias, and honeyeaters eat the nectar. It houses arthropods in leaves, flowers and bark that are consumed by insectivorous birds.
Citations
Citations
Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2022-06-22. tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Muntingia+calabura;
Bernal, R. 2022-7-12. Muntingia calabura L. En Bernal, R., S.R. Gradstein & M. Celis (eds.). 2015.;
Catálogo de plantas y líquenes de Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. http://catalogoplantasdecolombia.unal.edu.co;
Román, Francisco, et al. Guía para la propagación de 120 especies de árboles nativos de Panamá y el neotrópico. 2012.;
Mendoza, A. L. M., & Guerrero, M. H. (2010). Catálogo de los árboles y afines de la Selva Central del Perú. Arnaldoa, 17, 203-242.