Cnidoscolus tubulosus

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-7 m tall. The trunks are 30-40 cm across. They have stinging hairs. The leaves are 11-35 cm long by 14-38 cm wide. They have 3 lobes. The base is heart shaped. The leaves have teeth along the edge. Male and female flowers are separate. They are white. The fruit are 16-18 mm long and 8 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Costa Rica it grows between 900-1,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Central America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Jatropha tubulosa Mull.Arg.; and others