Bunchosia armeniaca

This is a small tree form the tropical rainforests of the Andes and as Bunchosia armeniaca  grows at elevations it can be grown in cooler climates provided it has appropriate warmth and moisture.

Being a naturally small tree, reaching around 4 – 5 metres in height, and also easily pruned it is suited as a backyard fruit tree.

Attractive yellow flowers, on an evergreen tree make this useful as a small ornamental tree as well.

The fruit itself is small orange in colour, turning to red when ripe. And when ripe the taste is sweet with a texture that is a little like peanut butter.

The fruit can be eaten fresh, used in jams, smoothies and is sometimes dried.

Care

When in cultivation and trained to a small tree this is an easy care fruit tree given the following conditions.

• A fertile rich soil with added compost.
• A positioning full sun, however in areas with hot and dry summers, some protection from hot afternoon sun may be required.
• Soil needs to be moist year round, however still well drained.
• Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool moist root run.
• Fertilise each spring with a top dressing of aged cow manure, compost, blood and bone or similar.

Harvesting

Fruit will ripen off the tree so it can be harvested whilst still orange. It should turn red in a few days.

Ripe fruit is very attractive to birds etc.

Propagation is from seeds, also possible from cuttings.

Summary Information

• Botanical/Scientific Name – Bunchosia armeniaca
• Common Name – Peanut Butter Tree
• Origins – South America
• Position – Full sun to afternoon shade depending on climate.
• Soil – Humus rich and moist.
• Height – To 4 – 5 metres
• Spread – To around 3 metres
• Flowers – Yellow
• Flowering time – spring to summer
• Foliage – Evergreen
• Frost tolerant – Only very mild frost once established.
• Drought tolerant – No

Bunchosia armeniaca is available for sale from the following nurseries