Jamaica nettletree
Trema micrantha

Family: Cannabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The trunk is straight and usually only branches at the top. The crown is thin. The leaves are simple and alternate. They have teeth and have 3 prominent veins from the base. The flowers are very small and white. The fruit are berries.

Also put in the family Ulmaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry and wet places and also in lower mountain regions. In Argentina it grows between sea level to 2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Mexico, North America, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It grows very quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Atadijo, Candiuba, Capulin, Cerezo, Kaka, Kara baska, Kari bush, Lincha-ma, Mantili, Merabi, Mutamba, Niguito, Sapan, Shalipu, Sui seije, Togalapoli, Waska

Synonyms

Rhamnus micrantha L.; and many others