Biriba
Rollinia mucosa
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
Rollinia mucosa, commonly known as Biriba, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions of South America. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Rollinia mucosa plays a vital role as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and habitat for understory plants and wildlife. Its fruits are highly valued for their unique lemon meringue pie flavor and nutritional benefits, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Traditionally, the fruit has been used by indigenous peoples for its refreshing taste and as a source of nutrition. Biriba is often planted alongside nitrogen-fixing species like Inga edulis to enhance soil fertility and with flowering plants such as Tithonia diversifolia to attract pollinators.
Growing Details
Rollinia mucosa thrives in warm, humid tropical climates. It prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like lemongrass can help deter pests, while flowering plants like marigolds attract beneficial insects. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage. Harvest the fruit when it tur
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Rollinia mucosa</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 the Amazon rainforest and other tro
applicable geo region: Tropical South America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of October for 3 days
Harvest:
beginning
of January for 3 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of Rollinia mucosa is highly prized for its sweet and tangy flavor, often compared to lemon meringue pie. It can be eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and beverages. The fruit is typically available in the wet season, and care should be taken to consume it soon after harvest as it is highly perishable.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, parts of the Rollinia mucosa tree have been used in folk medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. The fruit is also consumed for its high vitamin C content, which supports immune health. However, scientific evidence is limited, and caution is advised when using any plant medicinally without proper guidance.
health concerns: The seeds of Rollinia mucosa should not be consumed as they may contain toxic compounds.
other uses: The wood of Rollinia mucosa can be used for fuel and light construction, although it is not highly durable.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Rollinia mucosa</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Rollinia mucosa
common names: Biriba; Wild Sugar-Apple; Lemon Meringue Pie
family: Annonaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Rollinia
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): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: High
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 5.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Rollinia mucosa thrives in warm, humid tropical climates. It prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like lemongrass can help deter pests, while flowering plants like marigolds attract beneficial insects. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage. Harvest the fruit when it tur
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include fruit flies and scale insects. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and lacewings. Companion planting with marigolds can help repel nematodes, while neem oil or garlic spray can be used as organic treatments.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...