Carpotroche surinamensis
Family: Achariaceae
What it is like
A shrub or tree. It grows 8 m high. The flowers are on old wood and leafless branches. The fruit is a woody capsule 4 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. It is green to orange. It has a velvety surface and some broad wavy wings. It opens with 4-5 valves. There are 10-20 seeds that are 1 cm long by 0.7 cm wide. They have a bright red or purple aril of layer around the seeds.
There are about 30 Carpotroche species. They are also put in the family Kiggelariaceae and Euphorbiacece. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in the undergrowth in rainforests and along creeks.
Countries/locations it is found in
Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, South America, Suriname
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Aril, fruit