Churunch, Pink fringe
Arthrostemma ciliatum

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A climbing herb. It grows 1-4 m tall. The flowers are pink.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Greater Antilles, Guatemala, Hawaii, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South America, Trinidad-Tobago, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. The young leaves are eaten with salt.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Acedillo, Agro viro, Churunch, Sacha wiru, Shiimuijku, Xocoyocillo, Xohxoko istak

Synonyms

Arthrostemma fragile Lindl.; Arthrostemma grandiflorum Markgr.; Arthrostemma macrodesmum Gleason; Heteronoma campanulare Bonpl. ex Naudin; Heteronoma diversifolium var. rubiginosum Ram. Goyena; Heteronoma galeottianum Naudin; Rhexia diversifolia Bonpl.;