Potalia amara

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The leaves are opposite and broadly sword shaped. They are 30-70 cm long by 9-18 cm wide. There are many flowers in a group at the ends of the branches. The fruit are green and turn reddish-green when mature. They are 11-15 mm long by 10-15 mm wide. The seeds are dark brown and 4 mm long by 2 mm wide.

Also put in the families Loganiaceae and Potaliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South America, Suriname

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anabi, Bokokini, Curarina, Pau-de-cobra, Sacha curarina

Synonyms

Nicandra amara (Aubl.) Gmel.;