It grows up to about 15 meters tall and may shed its leaves during dry periods.
The leaves are odd-pinnate.
The small red to violet flowers often appear on bare branches before the leaves emerge.
The fruit is a drupe measuring approximately 3–5 cm; it is smooth and glossy, turning yellow, orange, red, or violet when ripe.
The yellow to orange flesh is juicy, ranging from sweet to tart and aromatic, and is sometimes slightly astringent.
There is a large pit in the center.
The ripe fruits are eaten fresh or processed into juice, jam, syrup, compote, and alcoholic beverages.
Young leaves are also sometimes used as a vegetable.
The species is native to an area stretching from southern Mexico and the Caribbean to parts of South America, and it is also cultivated in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Other names include jocote, purple mombin, and Spanish plum.
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