Needle-flower tree, Perfume-tree, Panama posoqueria
Posoqueria latifolia

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows 7-20 m tall. The leaves are simple and dark green. They are opposite and have short stalks. They are oblong and 20 cm long. They are leathery. The flowers are white and showy. They occur in dense heads. The flowers have a slender tube and open out at the end. The tubes can be 17 cm long. The flowers are fragrant. The fruit is a berry. It is 5 cm across and round and yellow. It is edible.

There are 12 Posoqueria species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow in tropical America. It grows up to 100 m above sea level. It is native from Mexico to South America. It grows in humid forest and on volcanic soils. It does well in seasonally moist and dry climates. It can grow in an average, well-drained soil. It can grow in full or part sun. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Asia, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Hawaii, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Panama, Peru, SE Asia, South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The edible layer (aril) around the seed in the fruit is eaten.

The fruit are enjoyed. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, aril, seed

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or layers.

It is fast growing. The plants flower when rain follows a dry period. They are pollinated by hawkmoths.

Its other names

Local names

Aymara, Azuceno, Baga-de-macaco, Boesi-agoesjiton, Borojocito, Brazilian oak, Cachaco, Churumbelo, Dagoeston, Fruta de mono, Fruto-de-macaco, Guayabo, Jasmine tree, Kamadan, Lirio, Monkey apple, Palo de peine, Picarito, Pipa-oedoe, Pohon melati, Posoqueri, Querica, Tuliviejo, Uragu

Synonyms

Posoqueria coriacea; Posoqueria decora DC.; Posoqueria trinitatis A.P. de Candolle; Solena latifolia Rudge; Stannea metensis H. Karst.; Tocoyena longifolia Kunth;