Herrania breviligulata
R. E. Schult.
Shortligule herrania
President and Fellows of Harvard College
President and Fellows of Harvard College
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
The following report is based mainly on the seeds of H. Nitida, but the seed of this species is likely to be very similar. The seed contains up to 66% oil. It is solid at room temperature, turning liquid at 25 - 29°c. The oil comprises 18 - 26% linoleic acid, 2 - 7% oleic acid and 74 - 76% saturated acids. Although we have no specific information for this species, the pulp surrounding the fruits of most, if not all members of the genus are edible. This white, acidulous pulp is eaten raw and is most delicious just before the complete ripening of the fruit.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
It is a tropical plant.
Amazon, Andes, Colombia, Ecuador, South America,
How to Identify
A tropical tree in the mallow family (Malvaceae), with edible fruit.
How to Grow
Succeeds in most soils.
Medicinal Uses
The ashes of the bark of Herrania breviligulata are employed to dry up and cure infected wounds and ulcers.
Other Uses
The following description of the wood is for H. Nitida. The wood of this species is likely to be very similar. The heartwood is pinkish brown, the sapwood pale pink. The wood has no distinctive odour or taste; it is straight- or wavy-grained; coarse-textured. It is light in weight; soft; not durable. It requires sharp tools in order to cut smoothly across the grain.
References (2)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 298
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
