Anthodiscus chocoensis

Chocó anthodiscus

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Taxonomy

Family Caryocaraceae · Genus Anthodiscus

Description

Anthodiscus chocoensis is a little-known tropical tree from the ultra-wet Chocó rainforests. Best suited to warm, humid greenhouses or true tropics, it prefers bright shade, rich moist soil, and steady warmth. Grown mostly by collectors and botanic gardens, it’s prized for its rarity and ecological significance rather than showy flowers.

Common Names

Chocó anthodiscusAnthodiscus chocoensis

Context

nativeRegion

Pacific lowland rainforests of the Chocó biogeographic region (northwestern South America).

usdaZones

11–12 outdoors; greenhouse/indoor tropical care elsewhere.

companionPlants

Inga edulis, Cecropia spp., Philodendron spp., Piper spp., Heliconia spp., Asplenium ferns

culturalUses

Primarily of ecological and scientific interest; no widely documented medicinal or culinary uses.

Care

Care Requirements

LightBright shade to dappled sun; protect from harsh midday sun, especially when young.

WateringKeep evenly moist with excellent drainage; never allow to fully dry or sit waterlogged.

SoilRich, airy, slightly acidic mix (pH 5.5–6.5) with organic matter; loam with bark/perlite/leaf mold.

FertilizerLight, regular feeding in warm season with balanced, dilute fertilizer or slow‑release organic; reduce in cooler months.

HumidityHigh humidity (70–90%) with gentle airflow; frequent misting or humidifier in cultivation.

TemperatureWarm year-round: ideal 70–85°F (21–29°C); avoid below 55°F (13°C).

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitEvergreen tree/small canopy tree.

Mature SizeIn habitat 6–15 m+; 2–5 m in large containers under cultivation.

Growth RateModerate to fast in consistently warm, wet conditions.

BloomingSmall, inconspicuous flowers; timing often aligned with rainy periods; fruiting poorly documented in cultivation.

DormancyEvergreen; may slow growth in cooler or drier periods without true dormancy.

Propagation

MethodsFresh seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings with rooting hormone, Air layering

DifficultyAdvanced; fresh viable seed and high humidity/warmth required; cuttings slow and variable.

Best SeasonLate spring to early summer or the onset of the rainy season.

Maintenance & Notes

PruningLight structural pruning while young; remove dead or crossing wood. Avoid heavy cuts outside active growth.

RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring as roots fill the pot; increase container size gradually and maintain deep, well‑drained substrate.

Pests & DiseasesScale, mealybugs, and spider mites in dry air; fungal leaf spot and root rot with poor drainage or stagnant conditions.

ToxicityInsufficient data—treat as potentially toxic; avoid ingestion and contact with sap.

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