Cumala
Iryanthera laevis
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Pl. D804 — Iryanthera laevis
Iryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevisIryanthera laevis
IOverview
Overview
Cumala, known botanically as Iryanthera laevis, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of Bolivia, Brazil (North and West-Central), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light to heavy soil types. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruit. Cumala contributes to local ecosystems and provides a food source, making it an important part of the native flora. One distinctive feature is its adaptability to various soil types, allowing it to flourish in diverse environments within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Cumala?
Cumala, known botanically as Iryanthera laevis, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of Bolivia, Brazil (North and West-Central), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light to heavy soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cumala thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-12 and can grow up to 25 meters tall. Propagate through fruit, as the edible parts are the fruits of this plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-12
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cumala for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Cumala plant and focus on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A Cumala seed or young plant, potting soil, a container, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure the container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the container or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and place the plant in a sunny spot. Water daily until it shows signs of growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, keep soil consistently moist, and fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant to maintain shape and remove dead leaves. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full shade, using heavy clay soil without drainage, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular fertilization.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The cumala fruit is edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. Typically, it is eaten raw but can also be dried for later use. Its light and refreshing nature makes it suitable for snacking or incorporating into salads.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Americas5 regions
native (5)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorPeruVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil West-Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d8048177-b816-4a58-95a1-26fe91431016
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