Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) is a small to medium-sized tree native to the savannas and coastal regions of Brazil, particularly thriving in the Cerrado biome. It plays a vital role in agroecology as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, contributing to biodiversity and soil stabilization. The tree is well-adapted to sandy and nutrient-poor soils, making it an excellent candidate for regenerative agriculture practices. Mangaba's sweet, aromatic fruit is highly valued for its flavor and nutritional content, rich in vitamins A and C. Historically, it has been used by indigenous communities for both food and medicinal purposes. In mixed cropping systems, it can be paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) to enhance soil fertility and with flowering plants to attract pollinators.
Growing Details
Mangaba thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil can repel fruit flies. Avoid overwatering, as Mangaba is drought-tolerant once established. Harvest the fruit when it naturally falls from the tree, and store it in a cool, dry p
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Hancornia speciosa</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Brazil, particularly in the Cerrado
applicable geo region: South America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of September for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of November for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of the Mangaba tree is edible and highly prized for its sweet and aromatic flavor. It can be eaten fresh or used in the preparation of juices, jams, and desserts. The fruit is typically harvested when it falls naturally from the tree, indicating ripeness.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Mangaba has been traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fruit and leaves are used to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions. The latex has been used topically for wound healing. Caution is advised as the latex can be irritating to the skin.
health concerns: The latex can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
other uses: The latex from the tree can be used in the production of rubber, although it is not commercially significant.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Hancornia speciosa
common names: Mangaba; Mangabeira; Hancornia
family: Apocynaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Hancornia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 27ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 10.0 m
max width: 5.0 m
soil preference:
Light (Sandy)
pH preference:
Acid
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Mangaba thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil can repel fruit flies. Avoid overwatering, as Mangaba is drought-tolerant once established. Harvest the fruit when it naturally falls from the tree, and store it in a cool, dry p
Potential Disturbances: Mangaba can be susceptible to pests such as fruit flies and leaf miners. Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to control fruit fly populations. Companion planting with marigolds can help repel nematodes, and neem oil can be used as an organic spray to manage leaf miners. Regular monitoring and maintaining plant health through proper cultural practices are essential.
Growth Timeline
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