Common Name:

General Information

Micrandra spruceana is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall[]. The bole has large buttresses[].
Although poisonous unless treated, the seeds are often gathered in great abundance as a source of food for native people. The seed also supplies an oil used in lamps[].

Known Hazards

The seeds contain cyanic compounds and are poisonous[]. They can, however, be prepared as food - see the method below in Edible Uses[].

Botanical References

Range

Northern S. America - northern Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela.

Habitat

Well-drained soils in the Amazon rainforest[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[]. The seeds are poisonous raw and need careful preparation to render them safe to eat. They are boiled and then washed several times to leech out the toxic compounds, after which they are broken up by hand. A paste resembling cream-cheese in appearance and taste can be prepared from them[]. Alternatively, the damp mash can be gently toasted on a flat plate over the fire and reduced to a fine greyish white meal which is made into casabe or unleavened bread[]

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A quantity of oil is collected from the seed when they are boiled in water. A very bitter flavour, it is burned in lamps to provide illumination[].

The tree contains sparse quantities of a white latex that is low in rubber and high in resin[]. It is not usually collected[].

The wood is used for decorative panelling[].

Propagation

Seed -

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