Smooth snakebark
Colubrina elliptica

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 4-6 m tall but can be 20 m tall. The trunk can be 1.5 m across. The bark is orange brown and peels off in thin layers. The flowers are green to yellow. The fruit are red to orange.

There are 16 Colubrina species. It is an endangered species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in thickets in dry coastal regions and on limestone. It grows below 1,000 m above sea level. It has some salt tolerance.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Cuba (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti (country/location of origin), Honduras, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles (country/location of origin) Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, South America, USA, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The bark is steeped in water to make a fermented drink. The leaves are also used.

It is sold in local markets. The drink is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Bark - drink, leaves - drink

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Amole, Bijaguara, Bois mabi, Bwa mabi, Caoba de Manabi, Catire, Ebano, Guayacan, Mabi, Manzanita, Mauby, Nakedwood, Pichipan, Soldierwood

Synonyms

Ceanothus reclinata L'Her.; Colubrina reclinata (L'Her.) Brongn.; Rhamnus elliptica Sw.;