Byrsonima crassifolia, commonly known as nance, is a slow-growing large shrub or small tree that is deciduous in the dry season. It is native to tropical America, spanning from central Mexico to Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and various Caribbean islands. Nance typically reaches up to 33 feet in height and is characterized by its dense, rounded crown and rough-textured bark. The leaves are leathery and the small, yellow to orange flowers bloom in clusters, followed by the production of small, round, sweet yellow fruits with a pungent flavor that ripen during the summer months. The fruits are particularly notable for their distinctive taste and are often used in culinary applications.

Nance is highly valued for its drought tolerance and is often found in open pine forests, grassy savannas, and dry deciduous forests, at elevations up to 6,000 feet. It is cultivated for its edible fruits, which are consumed raw or cooked, and incorporated into various desserts and beverages. In addition to its culinary uses, nance is utilized in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types. While it is drought-tolerant, regular watering will improve fruit production. It is not commonly known to have serious disease or pest problems, but fruit flies can sometimes infest the fruits. Nance can be propagated by seeds or cuttings and is sometimes used in reforestation projects due to its adaptability and ecological benefits, such as providing food for wildlife.CC BY-SA 4.0