Posts Tagged ‘euphorbiaceae’
Plukenetia volubilis - Mani del Monte (Mountain Peanut)
Posted by: The Lorax in: ● October 21, 2008
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Mani del Monte, growing at Union Base, Pastaza Province. This vining plant from the Euphorbia familiy produces distinctive, star-shaped green fruits that have edible seeds, of similar flavour to almondy peanuts. Many Quichua families apparently grow this for the seeds, which are high in protein and oils. One fruit contains six “nuts” and is fairly easy to peel with a knife.
The fruits may have between four and seven points, and the seeds inside are very high in the omega-fatty acids. It is being investigated as an oil crop in Peru.
Croton eleuteria - Cascarilla
Posted by: The Lorax in: ● October 14, 2008
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Cascarilla, growing near Ibarra, Imbabura Province. A native of the Bahamas, Cascarilla has naturalized throughout South America due to its medicinal importance. It is a medium-sized shrub to small tree, with distinctive silvered leaves and highly fragrant white flowers, and can be found growing wild in most parts of Ecuador. Cascarilla is a member of the Crotons, other members of which are also important medically, and part of the larger family of the Euphorbiums.
Medicinally, the bark of Cascarilla is used against yellow fever and other high fever states; a tea is prepared of the dried bark. Added to preparations of Cinchona (Quinine) it reduces the nausea and vomiting associated with the high doses necessary to kill malaria.
