Cow tree
Brosimum utile

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A tall tree. It grows 35 m high. The bark is thick. When the bark is cut a nutritious milky sap flows out. The leaves are thick and leathery. They are 10-20 cm long and narrowly oval and taper to the tip. The fruit are made up of several fused together. There are one or two seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in lowland and lower mountain wet forests. It grows in the dense forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Honduras, India, Mexico, Panama, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Suriname, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The sap is eaten. It can be used to make a cheese-like food. The latex is also used for chewing gum. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.

It is also cultivated.

Edible parts

Latex, nuts, flesh fruit, seeds, sap

How it is grown

The flow of sap is greatest in the morning.

Its other names

Local names

Baco, Cacaolcillo, Camina'jin, Ccovi ne'mba, Cocal, Guaimaro, Margis, Mastate, Palo de Vaca, Posa hui'to, Sande, Sandi, Santi wiki

Synonyms

Alicastrum utile (Kunth) Kuntze; Brosimum galactodendron D. Don ex Sweet; and others