Monographs Details:
Authority:
Popenoe, Wilson. 1924. Economic fruit-bearing plants of Ecuador. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 24: i-ix, 101-134. pl. 34-49.
Popenoe, Wilson. 1924. Economic fruit-bearing plants of Ecuador. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 24: i-ix, 101-134. pl. 34-49.
Family:
Ericaceae
Ericaceae
Description:
Description - This beautiful plant is a compact, shapely bush reaching 1.5 meters in height. Its leaves, which are subsessile and produced abundantly on the slender stems, are lanceolate and about a centimeter in length. The flowers are tubular, slightly contracted at the mouth, a centimeter in length, and of rich rose-pink color. They are followed by round fruits which suggest large pearls in appearance, being translucent white, up to one centimeter in diameter. These fruits are crowned at the apex by four sharply pointed calyx segments; they are tender and crisp, with abundant juice and a few minute seeds. The flavor is pleasantly subacid and very refreshing.
Uses - Although not an article of commerce they are gratefully eaten by the traveler who chances to pass through the zone in which they grow.
Description - This beautiful plant is a compact, shapely bush reaching 1.5 meters in height. Its leaves, which are subsessile and produced abundantly on the slender stems, are lanceolate and about a centimeter in length. The flowers are tubular, slightly contracted at the mouth, a centimeter in length, and of rich rose-pink color. They are followed by round fruits which suggest large pearls in appearance, being translucent white, up to one centimeter in diameter. These fruits are crowned at the apex by four sharply pointed calyx segments; they are tender and crisp, with abundant juice and a few minute seeds. The flavor is pleasantly subacid and very refreshing.
Uses - Although not an article of commerce they are gratefully eaten by the traveler who chances to pass through the zone in which they grow.
Common Names:
chirimote
chirimote