Nance
(Guapira opposita)
Nance (Guapira opposita)
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© Diogo Luiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Diogo Luiz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Diogo Luiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: diogoluiz | Publisher: iNaturalist |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Guapira opposita, commonly known as Nance, is an evergreen tree native to tropical dry forests, coastal thickets, and disturbed areas in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) and a width of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters). The tree has a dense, rounded canopy with leathery, dark green leaves. Its inconspicuous green or yellow flowers bloom in the spring and summer, followed by small, round, edible fruits that turn yellow or red when ripe. The fruits are often used in local cuisines and have a sweet-tart flavor.
Nance is valued for its fruit, which is consumed fresh, used in desserts, or fermented into beverages. It is also planted for its dense shade and as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical landscapes. The tree adapts well to urban environments, tolerating a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, as long as they provide medium to fast drainage. It requires medium amounts of water and can grow in full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it may be susceptible to pests such as fruit flies when the fruits are ripening.CC BY-SA 4.0
Nance is valued for its fruit, which is consumed fresh, used in desserts, or fermented into beverages. It is also planted for its dense shade and as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical landscapes. The tree adapts well to urban environments, tolerating a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, as long as they provide medium to fast drainage. It requires medium amounts of water and can grow in full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it may be susceptible to pests such as fruit flies when the fruits are ripening.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 10-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical dry forests, coastal thickets, and disturbed areas in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Sand Pear, Nance Tree, Nance
Scientific Names: , Guapira opposita, Bessera calycantha, Guapira cafferiana, Guapira olfersiana, Guapira opposita var. opposita, Pisonia cafferana, Pisonia cafferiana, Pisonia nitida var. parvifolia, Pisonia olfersiana
GBIF Accepted Name: