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Tree Species (Scientific Name)

Genipa americana

Tree Family

Rubiaceae

Average Leaf Size (cm)

25cm

Length

11cm

Width

Tree Height

Medium (20–35m)

Elevational Range (m)

350–1000m

Distribution

Native

Exotic

Native to Peru

Native to

Region

Americas

Latin America

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System

Arabica

Coffee Impact

Beneficial to coffee

Prevalence

Unknown

Cultivation

Planted

Natural

Tree Management

Soaking the seeds in running water for 1-2 days just before planting will accelerate germination. Plant seeds in light shade in a nursery. Germination rates are normally high with between 65 and 100% of the seed sprouting within 1-4 weeks. Initial growth rates are slow, generally takes about 12 months to reach a size of 20-40 cm. Due to the sensitivity to drought, it is better to use containers for seedlings. Grafting and propagation by cuttings are also used. Tolerates periods of flooding. Plants can begin to flower when they are between 3 and 5 years old from seed.

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses

Food
Livestock Forage
Firewood
Lumber
Medicinal
Ornamental
Product
Ceremonial

Used in the manufacture of base structures, tool handles and carpentry. The bark is a source of tannins. Bark fiber is used in the manufacturing of rough clothing. Used as a poison. The fruit is used as a diuretic, laxative, tonic, and to treat parasites. The fruit and juice are used in the treatment of anemia and liver problems, as well as a cold remedy. The bark is used to treat diarrhea and ulcers. A decoction of the root is strongly purgative. The pulp surrounding the seeds of the ripe fruit is edible, and has a sweet and somewhat rancid taste. The fruit can be eaten fresh, made into juices, or used to make jam and preserves. An unripe fruit juice turns blue-black on contact with the skin. It is used as a blue dye and has long been used by Indigenous peoples for tattooing and as body paint.

Farm Services

Coffee Shade
Windbreak
Soil Improvement

Coffee Shade: commonly cultivated for its ornamental value and for the shade it can provide, and can be interplanted with crops to provide shade
Windbreak: occasionally planted as a living fence in pastures

Biodiversity Benefits

Yes

The flowers are visited by insects and hummingbirds. Fruit bats eat the fruit.

Citations

Jezeer, Rosalien. (2018). PhD dissertation: Shedding Light on Shade- Reconciling Livelihoods and Biodiversity in Coffee Agroforests. 10.13140/RG.2.2.28895.71844;

Mendoza, A. L. M., & Guerrero, M. H. (2010). Catálogo de los árboles y afines de la Selva Central del Perú. Arnaldoa, 17, 203-242.;

Plants of the World Online POWO (2022). "Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org;

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute: Genipa americana (L.). Accessed 5 Oct 2022. Published on the Internet: https://panamabiota.org/stri/taxa/index.php?taxon=Genipa+americana&formsubmit=Search+Terms;

Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2022-10-12. tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Genipa+americana

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