Barca
Couma macrocarpa
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Pl. 332F — Couma macrocarpa
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IOverview
Overview
Barca, scientifically known as Couma macrocarpa, is a tree native to Central and South America, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun, making it adaptable to various soil types such as sandy, medium, and clay. Growing up to 25 meters tall, Barca is notable for its edible parts including the fruit, leaves, sap, and milk. Its presence in both full and partial sunlight makes it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Barca?
Barca, scientifically known as Couma macrocarpa, is a tree native to Central and South America, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Barca thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. To propagate Barca, use seeds or cuttings. This tree grows up to 25 meters tall and produces edible fruit, leaves, sap, and milk, making it a versatile addition to the garden.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Barca for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving Barca tree in your garden for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Barca sapling, well-draining soil, and a container if planting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant during the spring or early summer when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, medium, or heavy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling into your garden or pot. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and place in partial sun, gradually increasing exposure to full sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide light shade if needed. Fertilize lightly once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree in late winter to encourage new growth and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using heavy containers without drainage holes, not providing enough shade during hot periods, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSapMilk
Edible uses: Drink, Gum, Tea
Other uses:ContainersLumberGumtextilesTeethWaterproofingCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 13 native
Americas11 regions
native (11)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaPeruVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Panamá
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 332f4681-3518-4d1d-9782-a4142d3e5732
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