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Oiti Tree

Chrysobalanaceae

Oiti Tree (Licania tomentosa): How to Grow and Care

Licania tomentosa

Easy β˜€οΈ Direct sun 🐾 Pet safe

Oiti is a low-maintenance tree that thrives in full sun. It requires regular watering only during its first year of establishment. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and perform periodic pruning to maintain crown shape.

πŸ’§ Watering

Every 10 days

β˜€οΈ Light

Direct sun

🌑️ Temperature

10Β° - 38Β°C

πŸ’¨ Humidity

50% - 80%

Categories

What is Oiti Tree?

Oiti Tree (Licania tomentosa) is a easy-care plant from the Chrysobalanaceae family. Licania tomentosa, commonly known as Oiti, is a native Brazilian evergreen tree belonging to the family Chrysobalanaceae. It can reach up to 20 meters in height and is widely used in urban landscaping for its dense, broad crown that provides generous shade. The tree produces edible stone fruits and...

Oiti Tree grows up to 20.0m, with spread of 800cm, watering every 10 days, 10Β°C – 38Β°C, 50–80% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.

Care Guide

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How to Water

Water regularly during the first year to help establishment. Once established, oiti is drought-resistant and only needs irrigation during extended dry spells.

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Lighting

Oiti requires full sun exposure for healthy growth. Plant in locations with unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.

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Ideal Soil

Prefers fertile, deep, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. Adapts to various soil types as long as drainage is adequate.

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Recommended Pot

For young seedlings, use clay or polyethylene pots with good drainage. For urban landscaping, plant directly in the ground with a minimum spacing of 6 meters between trees.

Care Schedule

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Fertilize

Every 90 days

About Oiti Tree

Licania tomentosa, commonly known as Oiti, is a native Brazilian evergreen tree belonging to the family Chrysobalanaceae. It can reach up to 20 meters in height and is widely used in urban landscaping for its dense, broad crown that provides generous shade. The tree produces edible stone fruits and is highly valued for its resistance to drought and urban pollution.

How to Propagate

🌱

Seed Propagation

Use fresh seeds for best germination rates. Fresh seeds can achieve up to 90% germination success.

  1. 1
    Collect ripe fruits and extract seeds
  2. 2
    Allow seeds to dry in shade for 1-2 days
  3. 3
    Plant in moist, well-draining substrate at 2-3 cm depth
  4. 4
    Keep substrate moist in a sunny location
  5. 5
    Germination occurs within 10 to 20 days

Materials needed:

Fresh oiti seedsWell-draining substratePots or nursery bags
⏱️ Time: 10-20 days πŸ“Š Success rate: high πŸ—“οΈ Best season: Spring

Characteristics

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Max height

20.0m

↔️

Spread

8.0m

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Growth rate

Fast

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Foliage

Evergreen

Plant Uses

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Ornamental

Great for decoration

🍽️

Edible

Can be consumed

🍽️

Culinary Uses

  • Edible fruit with fibrous, mildly sweet and slightly astringent pulp; consumed fresh

Is your plant showing symptoms?

Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:

Common Problems

Rust

Medium

Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.

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Leaf Spot

Medium

Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.

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Root Rot

High

Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.

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Caterpillars

High

Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed voraciously on plant foliage, stems, flowers, and fruits. Common species include cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, armyworms, and cutworms. These pests can cause extensive damage by consuming large amounts of plant tissue in a short time. They vary in size from small (1/4 inch) to large (5 inches), with colors ranging from green to brown, often featuring stripes or spots. Caterpillars are highly mobile and can quickly spread throughout gardens, making them one of the most destructive common pests.

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Meaning & Symbolism

A symbol of resilience and utility in Brazilian cities, the oiti tree represents the harmony between nature and urban environments.

Fun Facts

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Oiti can live for over 100 years in ideal Brazilian climate conditions

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It is one of the most widely planted trees along Brazilian streets and avenues

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Its fruits are enjoyed by birds and small mammals, contributing to urban biodiversity

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Oiti wood is extremely hard and durable and was historically used in shipbuilding

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water oiti?
Water regularly during the first year to ensure establishment. Once established, oiti is drought-tolerant and only needs irrigation during extended dry periods.
Can oiti be planted on sidewalks?
Yes, oiti is widely used in urban tree planting. Choose locations with adequate root space and maintain a minimum spacing of 6 meters between trees.
Does oiti need pruning?
Yes, periodic pruning helps maintain crown shape and promotes healthy growth. Perform light pruning after the flowering period.
Does oiti produce edible fruit?
Yes, oiti produces fruits with fibrous, mildly sweet pulp, consumed fresh. Fruits ripen in summer and should rest 4 to 5 days after harvest.
Is oiti drought-resistant?
Yes, once established, oiti is very drought-resistant. During the first year, however, it requires regular watering.

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Sources & References

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