Genipa americana (Genipa)

Genipa americana cut yellow fruit held in hand close up for clear identification
Genipa americana cut fruit held in hand with visible yellow interior pulp

Botanical name: Genipa americana

Common names: Genipa, Huito, Marmelade Box

Family: Rubiaceae

Origin: Amazonia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large bush or small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Genipa americana is cultivated for its edible fruit, which are made into drinks, jelly, sherbet and used in ice cream.

It is also useful for treatment of candiru (The vampire fish of Brazil -Vandellia cirrhosa) attacks. South American Indians bathe their legs in the clear liquid obtained from the fruit. The liquid has a stringent effect. Furthermore it stains the skin black. These stains disappear after about a fortnight. As South Americans Indians went into battle, they used to paint themselves with Genipa juice and anatto.

The fruit is brewed into a tea and taken as a remedy for bronchitis.

Common Names in Amazonia:

Huitol; Witu (Shuti); Acuisho (Huayraya); Caruto; Chibará; Chipará; Genipa; Genipapo; Granado; Ana (Machiguenga, Ashaninka, Nomachiguenga); Guayapay; Huitoc, Huitu, Huito sua, Huito de agua; Isso (Piro); Jagua; Janipa (Cocama); Jave (Yagua); Jigua, Juaraavuro (Ocaina); Jidoro (Huitoto); Lana, Launa, Totumillo, Bilito; Cafecillo denta, Xagua; Mayagua; Guaricha (Venezuela); Guayatil colorado; Nané; Guayatil; Carcarutoto; Caruto revalsero; Mandipa (Portuguese); Nandipa (Guyana and Argentina); Guaitil (Bolivia); Nanu (Amahuaca); Nandi y Nane (Shipibo-Conibo); Palo colorado; Pigio; Piginio; Sua (Aguaruna); Vitoc; Vito; Yacohuito; ZXaguo; Yayuhuito; Zapote de monte; Nandé (Amahuaca); Akui sho y Kuikuisho (Ese Eja); Nso (Piro-Yine); Tapuripa (Surinam)

Similar plants: Genipa americana (Genipa)


Image gallery: 11 images
Genipa americana tall grey trunk with green leaves in a tree form
Genipa americana stands with a tall light grey trunk and dense foliage.
Genipa americana brown fruit held in hand close up for size reference
Genipa americana fruit held in palm showing round shape and brown skin
Genipa americana tan round fruit with brown speckles, close up, green background
Genipa americana round fruit resting on a green leaf, close up view
Genipa americana green tree with thick trunk and dense canopy of oval leaves
Genipa americana standing as a tall tree with dense green canopy and trunk
Genipa americana gray brown trunk showing rough bark texture with thick vertical plant stem.
Genipa americana trunk with rough gray bark textures rising vertically against green foliage background.
Genipa americana brown fruit close up lying on dark soil in the ground
Genipa americana fruit resting on the ground with a rough textured surface
Genipa americana brown halved fruit close up on green grass for background
Genipa americana fruit halved to reveal soft brown pulp and flat seeds
Genipa americana brown and grey trunk plant with lichen patches on bark surface.
Genipa americana thick trunk showing textured bark with spots of light grey lichen.
Genipa americana tree with gray bark and green leaves in low angle shot
Genipa americana trunk with textured gray bark reaching toward dense green canopy foliage
Genipa americana green tree with many branches and dense foliage spreading wide
Genipa americana tree with dense canopy and thick trunk in landscape
Genipa americana brown fruit pile close up showing natural surface texture of skin
Genipa americana fruit pile with brown textured skins on a flat surface


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/genipa_americana.htm
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