Drymonia serrulata

Family: Gesneriaceae

What it is like

A herb that grows attached to other plants. It is succulent when young and becomes woody. It can grow 2 m tall and 10 m long. The stem is 10 cm across near the base. The leaves are opposite and oblong. They are 4019 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. They are rounded at the base and taper at the tip. The flowers are large and showy. The fruit is a round capsule 1-2 cm long and wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, Central America, Costa Rica, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Lesser Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, South America

How it is used for food

The cooked plant is used to prepare drinks.

Edible parts

Plant

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Contra, Fimu pini tape, Nina waska, Pini ta'pe

Synonyms

Alloplectus glaber DC.; Drymonia campbellii Rusby; and several others