P. sericea trees grow up to 30 m tall and 60 cm dbh.[2] Bark somewhat smooth or rough, dark brown or slightly purple.[2] Leaves broadly elliptic-ovate, coriaceous, 17–24 cm long, 8–15 cm wide, apex acuminate, base rounded.[2]Inflorescence a terminal or axillary panicle, 5–10 cm long, flowers with ovate lanceolate petals 0.3-0.4 mm long.[2][3] The fruit is a smooth ovoid-oblong drupe, 5–10 cm long, 4–6 cm wide; it can be yellowish green, orange, dark purple or black when mature.[2][3]
The fruit is edible, but the taste may not be good for people unfamiliar with the fruit.[3]
The wood is of medium or somewhat coarse texture; heavy, compact and durable.[4] It is used for carpentry and fuel.[4]
References
^ abGrandtner, M. M.; Chevrette, Julien (2013). Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press. p. 518. ISBN9780123969545.
^ abcdefFrancis, Macbride, J. (1951). "Flora of Peru". Fieldiana. v.13:pt.3A:no.1: 230.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ abcdFood and Fruit-bearing Forest Species: Examples from Latin America. FAO. 1986. p. 221. ISBN9789251023723.
^ abWilliams, L. (1936). "Woods of northeastern Peru". Field Museum Botanical Series. 15: 291.
