Gouania polygama

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A creeper. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 4-15 m long. It has tendrils. The stems are greyish and 3 cm across. The branches are green and have a rusty coating. The leaves are alternate and 7-15 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. The flowers are in groups 15-18 cm long. The leaves are 3 winged. The seeds are oval and light brown. They are 3 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Central America, Cuba, Hispaniola, Mexico, North America, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, South America, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are used like hops to flaviour beer.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bejuco lenatero, Limpia dientes, Mascapelo

Synonyms

Gouania crenata Lam.; Gouania crenata var. cordifolia DC.; Gouania martinicensis Poir.; Gouania pubescens Lam. ex Poir. Gouania ursinicarpa Rusby; Rhamnus polygama Jacq.;