Herrania lemniscata
(M. R. Schomb.) R. E. Schult.
Lemniscal herrania
gbif· cc-by-nc
Field Museum of Natural History - Botany Department | GDI 2013-2015
Description
An evergreen tree in the Malvaceae family that grows to approximately 9 m tall, Herrania lemniscata is found in tropical rainforests and swamps at elevations between 120–900 m.
Edible Uses
Fruit. The white, acidulous pulp surrounding the seed is eaten raw. The pulp is most delicious just before the complete ripening of the fruit. Seed - used to make a chocolate-like beverage. 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.
Known Hazards
The fruits of many members of this genus have some or many stinging hairs on them.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in rainforest and often in swamps. It grows between 120-900 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, South America, Suriname, Venezuela,
Cultivation
Succeeds in most soils.
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.
Notes
Also put in the family Sterculiaceae. Also in the family Byttneriaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Cacao montanero, Xiaxiri unahi
References (4)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 298
- Kew Plants of the World On line
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
- www.proyanomami.org
