Big seed velvet seed
Guettarda macrosperma
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows 14-20 m tall. The trunk is 10 cm across. The trunks have ribs and there are small buttresses. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 12-20 cm long by 6-13 cm wide. The flowering clusters are 1-5 cm long. The flowers are white or yellow. The fruit are 2 cm across. They are pale pink. They turn red when mature.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in humid and dry forests. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level in Central America.
Countries/locations it is found in
Belize, Central America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants flower and fruit all year round.
Its other names
Local names
Correa, Crucito, Malacahuite, Pimentilla, Tintero