Gongonha citronella
Citronella gongonha

Family: Cardiopteridaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub or small tree. The crown is round and dense. It grows 4-5 m tall. The trunk is short and 25-30 cm across.

Probably Icacinaceae family.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is often in poorly drained soils in open forest. It can grow in full sun or light shade. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, South America, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The leaves have been used to make a tea drink like mate. The fruit are succulent and sweet.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. Seeds germinate in 40-50 days.

Its other names

Local names

Guare

Synonyms

Cassine gongonha Mart.; Ilex gongonha (Mart.) D. Don; Myginda gongonha (Mart.) DC.; Villaresia cuspidata Miers; Villaresia gongonha (Mart.) Miers;