Gnetum leyboldii

Family: Gnetaceae

What it is like

A creeper or climbing plant. It can be 30 m long. The fruit are orange to red. They are oblong and shiny. They are 5 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The seeds are edible.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in floodplains and upland forests in the Amazon. It grows up to 1,300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica (country/location of origin), Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The seeds are roasted and eaten. The seeds are also used to make flour. This is then dried in the sun and can then be fried as a cracker.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, nuts

How it is grown

The fruit are collected from the ground.

Its other names

Local names

Bala huayo, Hambre huayo, Itua, Pajil ruro, Paujillo, Paujil ruro, Purgante de picon

Synonyms

Gnemon leyboldii (Tul.) Kuntze; Gnetum dioicum Leyb. ex Tul.; Gnetum paraense Huber; Thoa leyboldii (Tul.) Doweld;