Mexican earflower
Cymbopetalum penduliflorum

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 10-23 m tall. The trunk can be 25 cm across. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and almost without a stalk. The flowers occur singly on long stalks that hang down. The inner petals are thick and fleshy. The edges curve inwards. They are greenish yellow and orange inside.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the mountains. It is in wet forests below 800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

It is used for flavouring drinking chocolate and other drinks. The dry flower petals are used as a spice. They are used in drinks and coffee.

It is cultivated as a spice. They are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, floral leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Flor de oreja, Muq, Orejuela, Tzichiquin itz, Xochinacaztii

Synonyms

Porcelia cinnamonema G. Don; Unona penduliflora Dunal;