Piquia
Caryocar villosumfam. Caryocaraceae
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Pl. C211 — Caryocar villosum
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IOverview
Overview
Piquia (Caryocar villosum) is a tree native to the forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Venezuela. It belongs to the Caryocaraceae family and can grow up to 30 meters tall. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light or full sun exposure. Piquia prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and is hardy in zones 10-12. Its distinctive feature lies in the edible nature of its large, fleshy seeds, which make it a valuable resource in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Piquia?
Piquia (Caryocar villosum) is a tree native to the forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Venezuela. It belongs to the Caryocaraceae family and can grow up to 30 meters tall. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light or full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Piquia thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a temperature range of 10-12. This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and produces edible seeds. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Piquia for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and sunny spot for your Piquia seedling.
- 1
What you'll need
A Piquia seed, a pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose one at least 20 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds directly into the ground or a pot. Keep moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Provide full sun and keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly when dry, especially in summer. Fertilize lightly once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
For now, focus on keeping the plant healthy and growing. Prune only to shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:FencingoilLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native
Americas4 regions
native (4)BoliviaEcuadorFrench GuianaVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryocaraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryocaraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · c21171ea-844c-4dd5-a45a-376cf6644094
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