About Curatella americana L.
Curatella americana L. is a semi-deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown. It typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 meters, which is 20 to 33 feet. Its trunk is short, thick, and usually crooked, growing up to 40–50 centimeters, or 16–20 inches, in diameter. This species is distributed across the tropical Americas. Its range includes northern South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guyanas), Central America extending from Panama to Mexico, and the western Caribbean. Curatella americana generally grows in savanna and dry forest habitats. In Guatemala, it occurs on dry open or brushy hillsides below 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) in elevation, and can also be found growing among pines. Multiple parts of this plant, including its edible fruits and seeds, are used locally as food, in traditional medicines, and for other commodities. It is mostly harvested from the wild, but it is sometimes planted specifically for its fruits and seeds. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in Central America.
