Annona crassiflora, often recognized by its common names such as Marolo, Araticum-cagão, Araticum cortiça, or Bruto, is a distinctive fruit-bearing plant. This species belongs to the Annonaceae family and is native to the Cerrado biome, a savanna region in Brazil, extending into Paraguay. Its unique fruits are a significant part of the local ecology and culture.
Identifying the Annona Crassiflora Plant
The Annona crassiflora typically grows as a tree, reaching heights of about 6 to 8 meters, with a crown spread of 2 to 4 meters. Its trunk is generally straight with crooked twigs, characterized by a corky, thick, and chipped bark. The leaves are ovate, leathery, and arranged alternately along the stems.
The flowers of the Marolo plant are yellowish-green and appear between November and January. These flowers are known for their unique appearance. The plant’s deep axial root system allows it to access water and nutrients from greater soil depths, which is an adaptation to the Cerrado’s conditions.
The fruit, which matures between February and April, is a large, multiple berry, globose to subglobose in shape. It can measure over 15 cm in diameter and weigh up to 2 kg. When ripe, the fruit has a green-brownish bark and contains a creamy, strongly aromatic pulp with numerous seeds, each approximately 1.5 cm long.
The Marolo prefers savanna regions with lower moisture deficits within the Cerrado biome. It is found discontinuously throughout this area, with notable occurrences in Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, parts of São Paulo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Maranhão, and eastern Bahia. The plant thrives in semi-arid scrublands and barren lands typical of its native range.
Traditional Applications and Nutritional Content
The fruit of Annona crassiflora is widely consumed in its native regions, often gathered from the wild and sold in local markets. Its sweet pulp is enjoyed fresh, but it is also processed into various culinary delights such as cakes, jams, juices, liqueurs, yogurts, and sorbets. The fruit is considered a delicacy in the Brazilian Cerrado, known for its creamy texture, strong odor, and distinct flavor.
Beyond the fruit, other parts of the Annona crassiflora plant have traditional uses. The seeds are sometimes used as an anti-diarrheal.
The Marolo fruit possesses a high nutritional value, containing significant levels of beneficial compounds. Its pulp is a rich source of dietary fiber, lipids, and carbohydrates. It also contains important minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.
The fruit’s pulp and by-products, such as the peel and seeds, along with the leaves, are noted for a wide range of bioactive compounds. These include phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, tocols, carotenoids, and phytosterols. These compounds contribute to the fruit’s antioxidant properties.
Cultivation and Environmental Considerations
Cultivating Annona crassiflora presents specific challenges due to its adaptation to the unique conditions of the Cerrado. While it has potential for cultivation, it has not been widely domesticated to date.
Successful cultivation would likely require conditions that mimic its natural deep-rooting capability and access to adequate water, especially during dry periods.
Annona crassiflora plays a role in its native biome. Its flowers are pollinated by beetles, particularly species of the Cyclocephalini tribe, between November and January. The plant’s presence contributes to the biodiversity of the Cerrado.
Conservation status and efforts for Annona crassiflora are gaining attention, especially given the ongoing deforestation and reduction of species within the Cerrado biome. Its status as an undomesticated plant that is widely appreciated locally highlights the need for sustainable harvesting practices and potential conservation initiatives to protect its natural populations.