Abiu

Overview

Abiu bears bright yellow fruit with translucent, jelly-like flesh that tastes like sweet caramel custard.

History

Native to the Amazon region of South America.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Likes warm, humid conditions and steady moisture.
• Needs good drainage.

Planting and propagation

• Grows from fresh seed or grafted trees.
• Plant in rich soil and mulch well.

Care and maintenance

• Water during dry spells.
• Prune to keep fruit reachable.

Role in the guild

A good small fruit tree for the sub-canopy of a guild.

Harvest

Pick when fully yellow and slightly soft. The skin has sticky latex; rub lips with oil or cut the fruit in half and eat with a spoon.

Uses

• Food: fresh fruit.

Problems to watch

• Fruit flies on ripe fruit.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.