Mexican elderberry
Sambucus mexicana
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 5-6 m tall. The leaves are compound and have leaflets along the stalk. There are usually 7 leaflets. The flowers are in flat topped arrangements and 6-20 cm across. They are yellow. The fruit are berries which are deep purple when ripe. There can be flowers, green and ripe fruit on the same branch at the same time. Probably now Sambucus canadensis.
There are about 25 Sambucus species. Also put in the family Sambucaceae and Caprifoliaceae
Where it is found
A tropical plant. In Guatemala it grows up to 3,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Bolivia, Brazil, Central Africa, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Congo, Cook Islands, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Europe, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mali, Marquesas, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe, South America, USA, West Africa, West Indies
How it is used for food
The dried fruit are used in pies, wines, syrups etc. The flower clusters are dipped in batter and fried, and sprinkled with sugar. The individual flowers can add flavour to pancakes, muffins and cakes.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Sauco, Sauco blanco