UMBUZEIRO (SPONDIAS TUBEROSA): A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Spondias tuberosa Arruda, a fructiferous endemic tree of semiarid Northeast of Brazil, provides several services to its ecosystem as well as to humans. It provides feed for wild animals and domestic ruminants in addition to providing fruits that are rich in vitamins for the human diet. It is an important source of additional income for family farmers and a source for traditional therapeutic medicine. Despite the importance of this tree in northeastern Brazil, limited scientific effort have been accomplished so far towards a better understanding of the tree’s physiology and interaction within the ecosystem. Earlier studies about S. tuberosa focused on phenology, physiology, population genetics, management practices, and socioeconomic aspects. Due to the lack of breeding and cloning programs, physiological studies and management trials were based on heterogenic plant material, which led to ambiguous results. In order to move forward with S. tuberosa research, especially for its genetic conservations and agro-industrial exploitation, basic breeding and intensified genetic research are urgently required. Despite the few publications on S. tuberosa, the tree can be considered scientifically neglected, particularly if compared with other members of the Anacardiaceae family.

Keywords

• umbuzeiro; caatinga; fruit tree; multipurpose tree; ecosystem service.