2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Alibertia (lat. Alibertia) - woody fruit crop from the Madder family.
Description
Alibertia is a rather pretty fruit tree of relatively small height (as a rule, its height almost never exceeds six meters). All trees are erect and endowed with spectacular bright green leaves. And they bloom and bear fruit throughout the year.
The diameter of the globular fruits of alibertia ranges from two to four centimeters. Moreover, they are all equipped with barely discernible longitudinal veins. The shape of these fruits is similar to pomegranate, and their color can be either yellow, or yellow-brown or yellow-green.
The black flesh of alibertia is very juicy and jelly-like. In addition to the pulp, each fruit contains several miniature flattened seeds, the length of which varies from three to eight millimeters.
The most common type of alibertia is the edible alibertia, which is often called the "gum tree".
Where grows
In the wild, alibertia is most commonly found in Central and South American forests. And as a cultivated plant, edible alibertia is actively cultivated in Brazil.
Application
The pulp of alibertia is good both fresh (to enjoy it, you need to cut the fruit, and then scoop out its contents with a spoon), and as part of all kinds of soft drinks and desserts, as well as juices, jellies, jams and preserves. And it also makes great sweets, and in other confectionery products it is also very good!
Regular use of alibertia has a powerful tonic and immunostimulating effect on the body, and also helps prevent certain diseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
Ripe fruits of alibertia can easily be stored for up to several days, however, these fruits still cannot boast of too long shelf life. At room temperature, they are stored for about two to three days, and in the refrigerator it is really possible to keep the alibertia for a week. If you want to keep it even longer, then you will have to preserve it by making fragrant jelly or jam from it.
Since only ripe fruits are suitable for consumption, when choosing an alibertia, it does not hurt to carefully examine its peel - the peel of ripe fruits is colored in all kinds of yellowish shades, ranging from greenish-yellowish to yellowish-brownish. And, of course, there should be absolutely no damage to the skin.
And the amazingly beautiful white inflorescences of alibertia make it an excellent decorative crop - amateur flower growers very willingly use it for planting in squares and parks, when creating hedges and for cultural afforestation. It is quite possible to grow this beauty both as an indoor or as a garden plant in special containers.
Contraindications
As for contraindications, they have not been identified at the moment. However, even in this case, the occurrence of individual intolerance cannot be completely ruled out.
Growing and caring
Alibertia is able to grow only in a tropical climate - even the slightest frost will inevitably lead to its death. At the same time, this plant is completely undemanding to care (alibertia is only demanding for soils - they must be nutritious) and perfectly tolerates pruning - it is thanks to systematic pruning that a high decorative effect of its crown is achieved.
Alibertia is propagated by both cuttings and seeds. By the way, when growing this crop, it is important not to forget to provide it with sufficient watering!
