Helicostylis sp. "Mão-de-jabuti"

Helicostyles sp., commonly known as "Mão de Jabuti" (Tortoise Paw), is a rare and valuable fruit species native to the Amazon rainforest. Revered among Indigenous communities for its exceptional taste and unique appearance, this giant mulberry-like fruit earns its name from its distinctive paw-shaped form. The species naturally thrives as a small to medium-sized tree in the humid, shaded understory of the Amazon Basin, making it well adapted to rich, tropical soils.

When ripe, the fruits turn yellow and are fleshy, juicy, and flavorful, blending sweetness, acidity, and a hint of citrus in a complex, memorable profile that resembles the finest mulberries. Despite its remarkable taste and cultural importance, Helicostyles remains largely wild and underutilized, presenting an exciting opportunity for rare fruit enthusiasts and agroforestry innovators.

If you like Helicostylis sp. "Mão-de-jabuti", you might also like Lecythis ampla or Guatteria candolleana