Oiticica
Licania rigida

Family: Chrysobalanaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 15 m high. The leaves are alternate. They are 12 cm long and 6 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and 3 mm across. They are in spike branches. The fruit is long and fleshy. They are 2-7 cm long. The fruit are green.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on flood plains of rivers. It has deep roots so can grow in drier soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), Puerto Rico, South America, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Seeds - oil, this may not be edible but it is used in medicine.

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pleragina umbrosissima Arruda;