Common Name:

General Information

Dioclea macrocarpa is a vigorous, climbing shrub with thick, woody, twining stems that can grow high into the tree canopy[].
The plant is cultivated for medicinal use by the native Kayapó peoples in northern Brazil[].

Known Hazards

The seeds of many species in this genus are likely to be used as an emergency food in times of need. We have no specific information on this species, but the seeds of many (if not all) of the species in this genus contain antinutritional substances[]. This is not unusual - the seeds of many commonly eaten legumes (including the various Phaseolus species) also often contain antinutritional substances -these are largely removed in the cooking or other preparatory process (such as sprouting). Unless there is clear information that the seeds of this species are completely safe to eat, then it would be unwise to eat them raw; or to consume large quantities of them in one meal; or to consume then on a regular basis over a long period of time[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Peru, northern Brazil, Venezuela, the Guyanas

Habitat

Rain forest, savannah forest and forested slopes[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The mature seedpod is around 18 - 30cm long and 5cm wide, containing 3 - 5 seeds. The seeds are nearly cubic, around 40 - 45mm x 30 - 32mm, with two sides flat, two convex[].

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[]. No more information is given

The seed of this species (and many other members of the genus) contain lectins that have a range of actions within the body that are of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Many have the potential as the basis of new drugs to treat a range of diseases including cancer.

Other Uses

The Surinam Tirio rasp the seeds in a cold water infusion which is rubbed onto the hair to prevent premature graying[].

Propagation

The seed has a very tough seedcoat and a firm flesh. Many species in the genus grow near rivers or the sea and their seeds can be carried for many months over long distances in the water, whilst retaining viability. It is believed that the seed of some species can retain viability for over 100 years in the soil so long as the seedcoat is not damaged. In order to get the seeds to germinate within one's own lifetime, it is generally necessary to damage the seedcoat without damaging the flesh inside. This can be done quite easily by either cutting a notch into the seedcoat, or abrading it with sandpaper. Once this is done, soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and it should germinate quite quickly[].

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