About Gustavia superba (Kunth) O.Berg
Gustavia superba (Kunth) O.Berg is an understory tree belonging to the family Lecythidaceae, native to Central America and north-western South America. Its common names include membrillo, sachamango, Stinkwood, and heaven lotus. The tree typically reaches 5 to 10 meters in height, with a rosette of very large leaves radiating from the top of the trunk, giving it a palm-like appearance. Individual leaves can grow up to 1.28 meters (4 feet 2 inches) long, and are less than 30 centimeters wide. This species is not widely known outside its native range, which extends from Ecuador to Panama and Venezuela. However, it has been planted in tropical botanical gardens outside this native area, including in Singapore, where it is called 'pungol', and Australia. In its natural habitat, Gustavia superba grows as an understory tree, and is abundant particularly in secondary forests. It grows best with abundant moisture, sunlight, and well-drained soil. It produces very few branches until it reaches maturity, and retains a cluster of leaves at its top that keeps its palm-like appearance. Its seeds are dispersed by agoutis, and its leaves are a preferred food source for iguanas.
