Cadillo, Mozote
Triumfetta lappula
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It can grow to 2.5 m tall. The young branches have rusty hairs. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf blades are 3-6 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. They have 3-5 lobes. There are irregular teeth along the edge. The flowering stalks are in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 3-4 mm across.
These have also been in the Tiliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Central America it grows from sea level to 700 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Antilles, Argentina, Bolivia, Central America, Costa Rica, Guiana, Dominican Republic, Guianas, Mexico, North America, South America, Suriname, Venezuela, West Indies
How it is used for food
The sap of the stems is used for a drink.
Edible parts
Stems
How it is grown
It can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Cepa de caballo