Japura
Erisma japura
Family: Vochysiaceae
What it is like
A large tree. The fruit is red. The kernel is edible.
There are 20 Erisma species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in the rainforest. It grows in the humid lowlands. It occurs in areas with a average annual temperature of 26°C and an annual rainfall of about 3,400 mm.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, South America, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The kernel is eaten raw or boiled. The seeds are also boiled, left in running water for several weeks and then pounded to give a form of butter. Caution: It is poisonous without treatment.
The seeds are highly valued. They are an important source of food for local people.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Badigue, Japura, Kikije-e, Oreja de chimbe, Quaruba-branca