Common Name:

General Information

Herrania breviligulata is a small, slender, graceful evergreen tree growing up to about 4.5 metres tall. The erect bole is around 6 - 7cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine[].

Known Hazards

The fruits of many members of this genus have some or many stinging hairs on them[].

Botanical References

Range

Northern S. America - Colombia, Ecuador.

Habitat

Found in rainforests at elevations from 540 - 750 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils[].

Edible Uses

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[].

Although we have no specific information for this species, the pulp surrounding the fruits of most, if not all members of the genus are edible. This white, acidulous pulp is eaten raw and is most delicious just before the complete ripening of the fruit[].

Medicinal

The ashes of the bark of Herrania breviligulata are employed to dry up and cure infected wounds and ulcers[].

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[].

Propagation

Seed -

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