Cow tree
Lacmellea utilis

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 8-10 m tall. The trunk does not have spines. It has lots of latex. The leaf stalk is about 1 cm long. The leaves are 6-8 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped and they taper to the tip. The flowering shoots have 15 flowers. The fruit is a round berry. It is shiny and yellow when ripe.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the moist lowland tropics. It grows in swamp forest. It grows up to about 600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The latex in the bark is sweet and edible. It is used as a milk substitute in tea and coffee. The fruit are eaten and have a rich flavour.

Edible parts

Latex, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

In Guyana plants flower in September and produce fruit in May.

Its other names

Local names

Haiahaia, Hya-hya

Synonyms

Lacmellea utilis (Arn.) Monach.; Tabernaemontana montana Oken; Tabernaemontana utilis Arn.; Zschokkea utilis (Arn.) Hemsl.;