Plants
camu camu
Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh
Family: Myrtaceae · Genus: Myrciaria
Amazonian small tree (2–6 m) of floodable areas — in native habitat survives 4–5 months submerged. Small dark-red fruits with the highest known natural vitamin C concentration (800–6,000 mg/100 g, up to 60× orange). Emerging supplement market. Embrapa has bred upland-suitable lines.
Götsch succession
- Götsch stage
- Placenta II
- Ecological role
- Pioneer
- Primary stratum
- Low
- Strata
- Low, Medium
- Biomass class
- No biomass production
Environment
- Light requirement
- Full sun
- Water requirement
- High
- Drought tolerance
- None
- Waterlogging tolerance
- High
- Soil pH range
- 4–6.5
- Preferred soil texture
- Clayey, Silty, Loamy
- Hardiness zones
- 11–13
Morphology
- Mature height
- 2–6 m
- Recommended spacing
- 3–4 m
- Root system
- Fibrous
- Root depth
- Shallow
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- 15–40 years
- Time to first harvest
- 36 months
- Productive lifespan
- 20 years
Biomes & climate
Köppen classes
- Tropical rainforest (Af) Suitable
- Tropical monsoon (Am) Suitable
Where it fits in a guild
Camu camu takes the Low stratum in the Placenta II phase of succession — in a guild it shares the line with species from the other strata, each harvesting light at its own height, in its own time.
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🪴 Cultivation
Spacing 4×4 m on upland. Tolerates (and prefers) periodic flooding.
📅 Phenology
Flowering months: September, October, November, December
Fruiting months: December, January, February, March, April
❓ Frequently asked questions
How long until the first harvest of camu camu?
The first harvest of camu camu comes around 36 months after planting.
What spacing is recommended for camu camu?
The recommended spacing for camu camu is 3–4 m.
How tall does camu camu grow?
At maturity, camu camu reaches 2–6 m tall.
When does camu camu fruit?
Fruiting of camu camu occurs in December, January, February, March, April.
When does camu camu flower?
Flowering of camu camu occurs in September, October, November, December.
What stage and stratum does camu camu occupy in a syntropic system?
In a syntropic system, camu camu belongs to the placenta ii stage, occupying the low stratum.
Functions
Propagation
Seed
Citations
- INPA — Notícia: domesticação do camu-camu (description)
- Flora e Funga do Brasil (Reflora) — Myrciaria dubia (external_ids, biomes)
External references
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