Tauwa nut
Gnetum nodiflorum

Family: Gnetaceae

What it is like

A liana or vine. It climbs on trees and shrubs. The leaves are opposite. The plants are separately male and female. The flowers are arranged in tight spirals or spikes. The fruit is broadly oblong and 3.5 cm long by 2 cm wide. They are green and turn reddish-brown. The base is wedge shaped.

There are about 28 Gnetum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in light forest and savanna.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Peru (country/location of origin), South America, Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw after the seed coat is removed. They are also roasted. They can be ground into flour and then dried in the sun and fried into a cracker.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bala huayo, Curucuda, Hava, Itua, Ko-sjiton, Paujil ruro, Tauwa

Synonyms

Gnemon amazonica (Tul.) Kuntze; Gnemon nigra (Carriere) Kuntze; Gnetum nodiflora (Brongn.) Kuntze; Gnetum amazonicum Tul.; Gnetum cruzianum Gleason; Gnetum nigrum Carriere; Gnetum oblongifolium Huber; Thoa nigrum Carriere;