Genipa
Genipa americana

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows to 10-15 m high. It can be 20 m high. The trunk is 30-80 cm across. The branches come out horizontal. The leaves are opposite. The leaves are near the end of the branches. They are oblong or sword shaped. The leaves are 35-50 cm long by 8-20 cm wide. The flowers are pale yellow with red centres. The fruit grow in clusters. The fruit are large and green. They are round or oval. They are 10-12 cm long by 7-9 cm wide. There are many seeds. They are 8 mm long by 5 mm across.

There are 7 Genipa species. The fruit sap blackens the skin. It has antioxidant properties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the hot tropical lowlands. It is native to tropical America. It grows in rainfall of 1,500-4,500 mm per year. The temperatures are 22-30°C. It is common in swamp marshes. In Central America it grows from sea level to 1,000 m altitude. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Antilles, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hispaniola, Honduras, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Martinique, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Fruit are eaten fresh. They need to be over-ripe. They are acid so are more often used for preserves. They can be made into marmalade or drinks. The fruit are fermented to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown from large cuttings or by grafting. For seed the ripe fruit are harvested and the seeds removed and washed under running water. They are dried in the shade. Seeds only remain viable for 4 months. Seeds germinate in 25-45 days. Seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 7-9 months.

Plants grow at a moderate rate. They can be 2 m high in 2 years. A fruit is 200-400 g weight. The fruit is often harvested before it is completely mature then stored in the dark until it is ripe.

Its other names

Local names

Airo toa, Bi, Bii, Bilito, Bitu, Caruto, Crayo, Danipa, Genip, Genipapo, Genipayer, Genipap, Genipe, Huee, Huito, Huitu, Iluale, Jagua, Jagua azul, Jagua blanca, Janipaba, Janipapeiro, Janipapo, Jenipapeiro, Jenipapinho, Jenipapo, Jinpa, Mali, Maluco, Marmalade box, Nanapabeiro, Nandipa, Nane, Ndia, Shagua, Shino, Sua, Tejoroso, Tejoruco, Teta de vieja, Wito, Xagua, Xahua, Wituk, Yagua, Yaguare, Yoale, Yuale

Synonyms

Gardenia brasiliensis Spreng.; Gardenia genipa Sw.; Genipa excelsa Krause; Genipa oblongifolia R & P.; Genipa americana var. caruto (Kunth) Schumach.; Genipa caruto Kunth; Genipa condonocalyx Standl.; Genipa venosa Standl.; Genipa pubescens DC.; and others