Cauabori
Coccocypselum lanceolatum

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has velvety hairs. The leaves are 2-8 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are oval or spear shaped and there are hairs along the edge. The flowers are in a group at the top of the plant. There are 5-11 flowers in a bunch. The fruit are blue and pear shaped. They are 1-3 cm long by 6 mm wide. There are several small seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in sunny places and also in shade. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It can tolerate frost ad drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Brazil, Central America, Mexico, South America

How it is used for food

Fruit can be eaten fresh or used for juices, sweets or ice-cream.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds can take a year to germinate. They have a dormancy. A spacing of 50 cm is suitable.

Plants fruit when 2 years old. In South America plants fruit February to July.

Its other names

Local names

Little blueberry

Synonyms

Bellardia mollis Willd. ex DC.; Coccocypselum canescens Willd. ex Schult. & Schult.f.; Condalia lanceolata Ruiz & Pav.; and others