Casimirella ampla

Family: Icacinaceae

What it is like

A shrub or creeper. It has a large starchy tuber. The young branches are slightly angular. The leaves are narrowly oval and 8-20 cm long by 3-10 cm wide.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The starch from the tuber is edible once the bitter substances are washed out.

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

The tuber weighs 5-20 kg.

Its other names

Local names

Manga-brava, Surucuina

Synonyms

Humirianthera ampla (Miers) Baehni; Humirianthera duckei Huber; Leretia ampla Miers; Mappia ampla (Miers) Engl.;