Gongonha verdadeira
Citronella mucronata

Family: Cardiopteridaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 10 m tall. The bark is dark grey and rough. The leaves are alternate and leathery. They are oval or oblong and end in a sharp tip. They can have teeth along the edge. The leaves are 5-6 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. The flowers are white to yellow and in groups 4-8 cm long at the end of branches. The fruit is round and 1-1.2 cm across. They are purple when ripe.

Also put in the family Icacinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, Chile, South America

How it is used for food

The dried leaves are occasionally used as a tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, fruit

How it is grown

They can be grown from seed. Seed need to be sown fresh.

Its other names

Local names

Huillipatagua

Synonyms

Patagia chilensis Poepp. ex Neger; Villaresia gongonha Miers; Villaresia pungens Miers; and others