Mistol
Sarcomphalus mistol

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 4-8 m high. The trunk is 20-40 cm across. The branches zigzag. The leaves are alternate. They are entire and oblong. They are 4-5 cm long by 2.5-3 cm wide. There are 3 parallel veins running from the base to the tip. The fruit stalks are hairy and 3-4 mm long. The fruit is fleshy with a hard stone inside. It is round and 1.5 cm across. They are green and turn purple. The seed is oval and 1 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in dry, thorny scrubland in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh. They can be dried and stored. The fruit are used to prepare an alcoholic drink in the Andes. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. The fruit are also pounded and used as a drink.

The fruit are enjoyed.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ahayuc, Ahayuk, Ahayaj, Ayiitak, Chicha, Fruto-de-cabra, Juasy'y, Maala, Mbokaja'i, Naalaic, Nausa, Nosa, Olho-de-boi, Quassii, Veludinho, Yiwa'iwasu, Yiwa'imi, Yu'ayore

Synonyms

Ziziphus mistol Griseb. Ziziphus oblongifolius S. Moore; Ziziphus weberbaueri Pilg.;