Peruvian elderberry, Peru black elder
Sambucus nigra subsp. peruviana

Family: Adoxaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 8-12 m tall. The trunk is irregular shaped. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are compound with 7-9 leaflets. These have teeth along the edge and are hairy underneath. The flowers are white and in groups 18-22 cm long. They have a scent. The fruit are black berries 1.2 cm across. They have 3-5 seeds.

There are about 25 Sambucus species. Also put in the family Sambucaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It the tropics it grows at higher elevations and can be over 3,000 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows between 1,000-2,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are also used for drinks and jams. The flowers are made into fritters.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be used in hedges.

Its other names

Local names

Kjola, Layan, R'ayan, Ramrash, Sauco

Synonyms

Sambucus peruviana Kunth;