Velvet seed
Guettarda uruguensis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-5 m tall. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are oval and have fine hairs. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves. They are white to red and have a scent. They are tube shaped. The fruit is oval and fleshy. They are velvety and balck when ripe. They can be 1 cmlong.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in humid areas near rivers and streams. In Brazil it grows from sea level to 1,650 m above sea level. It is best in a deep moist soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), North America, Paraguay, South America, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh. It is best to rub them to removed hairs.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. They are best put in a nursery and transplanted.

The seedlings reach 30-40 cm in 6-8 months after germination. They fruit 3-2 years after planting.

Its other names

Local names

Cafe falso, Culantrillo, Esokenejnami, Jazmin de monte, Nispero del monte, Pai-hue, Palo cruz, Paludina, Veludinho, Veludo

Synonyms

Chomelia morongii Britton; Matthiola uruguensis (Cham. & Schltdl.) Kuntze; and others