Siparuna echinata

Family: Siparunaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-8 m tall. The trunk can be 10 cm across. The young branches can be angular. The leaves are opposite and 13-32 cm long by 8-22 cm wide. The fruit are 1-2 cm across. The turn red or purple when ripe.

Also put in the family Monimiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 1,300-3,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Colombia, Ecuador, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ashna panka, Guayusa, Palo hediondo

Synonyms

Citrosma echinata Kunth; and several others