| DESCRIPTION: It is a large evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 3-17 m in height. It has large, evergreen, ornamental leaves clustered at end of the branches. The leaves are broad elliptical and crenate. The fruit is 7-12 cm in diameter, green to brown, pulp brown, very acid and dense. It is dioecious so both male and female plants are needed for fruit production. USE: The fruit pulp is used to prepare juice (jugo del amor), compotes, marmalades, candies and wine. Potential industrial use for dairy products (yogurt, fermented milk). Dehydrated borojo pastes could be used in biological and diet products. The fruit is prized for its tonic and cure-all qualities. It is famous in western Colombia for its supposed aphrodisiac properties. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. COMMON NAMES: Borojó. FURTHER INF: It can be found in western Columbia from southern Panama to northern Ecuador. Temperatures in its native region may reach up to 41°C. It thrives with high air humidity average up to almost 90%. |
