Rollinia

Overview

Rollinia, also called biribá, bears large yellow fruit covered in soft bumps, with juicy, sweet-tart, lemon-meringue-like pulp.

History

Native to the Amazon region of South America.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Likes warm, humid, wet to moderate sites.
• Needs good drainage and wind shelter.

Planting and propagation

• Grows easily from fresh seed.
• Plant in rich soil and mulch well.

Care and maintenance

• Water during dry spells.
• Prune to keep a manageable height.

Role in the guild

A quick-bearing sub-canopy fruit tree for wet and moderate guilds.

Harvest

Pick when the fruit turns yellow and the bumps start to darken at the tips. It is very perishable; eat within a day or two.

Uses

• Food: fresh pulp; don’t eat the seeds.

Problems to watch

• Very short shelf life.
• Fruit flies.

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