Brunfelsia chocoensis
Plowman
ElChoco raintree
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Rapid Reference Collection (RRC) | Field Museum of Natural History - Keller Science Action Center
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President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc0
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Description
A tropical tree in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw. The yellow, globose fruit is up to 3cm in diameter, containing a thin layer of fleshy pulp.
Known Hazards
Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most plants in the family Solanaceae also contain poisonous alkaloids. Unless there are specific entries with information on edible uses, it would be unwise to ingest any part of this plant.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Central America, Colombia, Panama, South America,
Cultivation
Grows best in a position with partial shade - when growing in full sun the foliage may scorch and drop. Prefers a loamy, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Many species in this genus grow wild in alkaline soils and, in non-alkaline soils, all members of the genus can benefit from the addition of some ground limestone. The flowers are fragrant.
Propagation
Seed - it has a short period of viability and does not tolerate dessication. Sown fresh, it germinates within 2 - 4 weeks. Layering.
References (2)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 78
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
