Chamburo
Vasconcellea pentandra

Family: Caricaceae

What it is like

The crown can be 2 m across. The trunk is silvery. There are horn like thorns beside each leaf axil. It has large leaves. The flowers occur in a group of orange flowers on each side of each thorn. The fruit develops down the full length of the trunk. The fruit is yellow. The skin has a texture of a rough lemon and 10 ridges along its length.

There are at least 22-40 species of Carica. Not in The Plant List.

Where it is found

It grows in lush, cool, damp areas in the high altitudes in the Andes. It can grow in dry conditions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Ecuador, South America

How it is used for food

The pulpy centre around the seed is removed then the fruit cooked. CAUTION: Uncooked fruit can cause blistering of the mouth.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Vasconcellea;