Discospermum sphaerocarpum

(Hook. f.) Gamble

Rubiaceae Edible: Seeds - coffee 13 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Discospermum sphaerocarpum is a small tree of family Rubiaceae that is native to India and Sri Lanka. Tricalysia dalzellii is considered a synonym, but in Sri Lanka, Tricalysia dalzellii is sometimes accepted in text books and field guides that regard it as an endemic species.

Description

A small tree. The small branches can be 4 sided. The leaves are opposite. The leaves are oval or sword shaped and point at the end. The flowers are very small. The flowers are dark green. The fruit is a round smooth berry. It is 1.5 cm across. The seeds are smooth and flat.

Edible Uses

The roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute, with a taste and aroma similar to coffee.

Traditional Uses

The roasted seeds taste and smell like coffee.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It can grow in monsoon forests or dry zones.

Where It Grows

Asia, India, Sri Lanka,

Synonyms

Diplospora dalzellii (Thwaites) Hook.f.Diplospora sphaerocarpa Hook.f.Discospermum dalzellii ThwaitesTricalysia dalzellii (Thwaites) AlstonTricalysia sphaerocarpa (Hook. f.) Gamble