Maytenus macrocarpa

(Ruiz & Pav.) Briq.

Staff tree

Celastraceae Edible: Bark - flavouring, Buds, Seeds - oil 10 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Maytenus macrocarpa is a tree species native to the Amazon rainforest; it grows in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and northern Brazil. With a maximum recorded height of about 30 metres (98 ft), and leaves that span up to 30 centimetres (12 in) wide, this large tree contributes significantly to the forest canopy. In the Quechua languages the tree is called chuchuhuasi (alternately spelled chuchuasi) or chuchuhuasha (alternately spelled chucchu huashu, and sometimes shortened to chuchasha). This name in all its permutations means "trembling back", due to the bark's effectiveness in relieving back pain, as well as the discomforts of arthritis and rheumatism. Indigenous peoples of the Amazon drink decoctions and tinctures of the bark as an herbal tonic. Extracts of the bark of M. krukovii are antioxidant and somewhat antimutagenic. A person can chew the bark, but it tastes very bitter.

Description

A tropical tree in the Celastraceae family.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The bark is boiled and chewed as a flavouring. Young buds are eaten. The seeds are processed to yield an edible oil.

Traditional Uses

The bark is boiled and chewed. The young buds are eaten. The seeds yield an edible oil.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America, Venezuela,

Synonyms

Celastrus macrocarpus Ruiz & Pav.Haenkea macrocarpa Steud.Haenkea multiflora Ruiz & Pav.Maytenus multiflora (Ruiz & Pav.) Loes.Maytenus tarapotensis Briq.and others