Undulate tabernaemontana
Tabernaemontana undulata

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 10 m tall. The stems are usually branched at a low level. The leaves are opposite, narrow and pointed. The leaves are pale green underneath. The plant when broken drips latex. The flowers can be pink or white. The fruit stalk is 1 cm long. The fruit is divided into seeded sections that are strongly curved and kidney shaped. These are 4.5 cm long by 3 cm wide and 2.5 cm thick. They are dark brown. There are several seeds. These are oval and 1 cm long by 0.4 cm wide. They are black and have ridges along them.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is an understorey plant in the rainforest. It grows in wet areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Panama, South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit pulp is eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bita-oaw, Buri, Guachimacan, Huevos de gato, Jazmin de monte, Katawata-tiki, Man-batibati, Merkitiki, Mun kunakap, Palo de gavilan, Palo de guanaguanare, Pero-ishi-lokodo, Pikin-mapa, Torodamashi

Synonyms

Anacampta albescens (Rusby) Markgr.; Anartia meyeri (G. Don) Miers; Bonafousia undulata (Vahl) A. DC.; and others