Hedyosmum maximum

Family: Chloranthaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 5 m tall. The stems are 4 sided. The leaves are oval and 8-14 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. They taper to the tip and are wedge shaped at the base. Male and female flowers are separate.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 3,000-3,450 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to flavour alcoholic drinks.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chavarquero, Chisco de monte, Granicilllo, Granizo, Guayusa

Synonyms

Tafalla maxima Kuntze;