Black seed
Miconia secundivaricata

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 50 cm high. The young leaves are covered with long white hairs. The flowers are white. They are in groups at the ends of branches. The fruit are red berries that turn black when ripe.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in secondary forest. It has been recorded at 380 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

America, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, South America, Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The small fruit are eaten for fun to stain the mouth purple.

The small fruit are eaten for fun especially by children to stain the mouth purple.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Nono pokono, Sokosoko

Synonyms

Clidemia divaricata Naudin; Leandra divaricata (Naudin) Cogn.;