Strychnos mitscherlichii

Family: Loganiaceae

What it is like

A creeper. The stem is 10 cm across. The branches have strong curved hook like tendrils opposite the leaves. The leaves are opposite and simple. They are broadly oval and 20 cm long by 9 cm wide. They fruit is a berry that is grey to green and turns orange when ripe. They are round and 4.5 cm across. The flesh is orange to grey and sweet. There are several seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests and along riverbanks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Brazil, Central America, Costa Rica, Guianas, Guyana, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The tough fruit shell is broken open and the pulp eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aritya wokuru, Devildoer, Big devildoer, Kwabanaro

Synonyms

Strychnos smilacina Benth.;