Pachylobus macrophyllus
Atom
Pachylobus macrophyllus
Pachylobus macrophyllus (previously Dacryodes macrophylla) , Atom, is a highly sought after and rare member of the Pachylobus genus. Atom is one of the best tasting members of the Pachylobus genus with a palatable and delicious pulp that is great eaten out of hand. There is not a lot of information about this species and even less about it’s growing requirements. It is an equatorial tropical plant that is likely to thrive in tropical (and hopefully subtropical) locations. There is hope for subtropical locations as I have seedlings that have survived down to 35 in an insulated greenhouse. It is dioecious meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants. Take this opportunity to preserve this interesting and very rare species as it makes it’s first introduction into the United States.
Here is a talk by a fruit collector, Paul Noren, speaking very highly of them:
Family: Bursuraceae
Name: Pachylobus macrophyllus. Formerly Dacryodes macrophylla
Common Name / Native Name: Atom
Range: Equatorial Africa; Cameroon, Guinea, Gabon
Sun: Mixed shade until mature
Height: ~60 feet
Width: Unknown
Foliage: Really beautiful pinnate foliage, very glossy leaves that turn from a red/green color to vibrant green
Flower: Inconspicuous flowers in pannicles. Dioecious (Male and Female on separate plants)
Fruit: A dark red/purple drupe with a deep red interior flesh. Size is around 3x3cm. Single seeded
Soil Type/ pH: Likely prefers Acidic soil
USDA Climate Zones: Unknown, potentially 10a+
Cold Hardiness: Unknown although has survived low 30’s in a hoop house with no defoliation or damage.
Edibility: Very juicy pulp that is supposedly delicious for fresh eating or juices. One of the tastiest looking members of the Dacryodes genus
Sources:
http://www.lafermedeleo.eu/nos-futurs-fruitiers-dacryodes-macrophylla-en.html