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Genipa Americana- The Latin name for the relatively recently classified fruit from the South American rainforest. Jagua, Jenipapo, Huito, Caruto, are just some of the many local names used to identify this fruit across the Amazonian Rainforests.
Botanical Information
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
- Superdivision: Tracheobionta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass: Asteridae
- Order: Rubiales
- Family: Rubiceae
- Genus: Genipa L
- Species: Genipa Americana L
- Habitat: Naturally occurring in tropical conditions,
flourishing in a humid atmosphere with rich, loamy, moist soil.
- Distribution: Tropical and Sub tropical regions of Central and South America
Traditional Uses
The Genipa Americana fruit is utilised by the indigenous peoples of Amazonia for its many uses. The ripe fruit flesh is a popular food source, it is also used to make jams, alcoholic beverages & other deserts and it is believed to have various medicinal qualities. For cosmetic purposes the juice from the unripe fruit is applied to the body, leaving a blue/black stain on the skin that lasts for approximately 10-15 days. It is used for decorative & festive purposes, as well as for its beneficial insect repelling properties.
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