| Genip | |
| Genipa americana | |
| a.k.a. Genipapo, Jagua |
A brown, woody like fruit with clear pulp that has an acidic flavor that is likened in flavor to dried apples. Fruits are only consumed raw when they are overripe.
Description: A large tree growing to 60-100 feet tall. Flowers are white to yellow in color, tubular, five-petaled and are mildly fragrant. Fruits can be up to 6" long and are hard shelled until ripe.
Hardiness: A tropical tree, not frost or freeze hardy. Will survive only very short cold spells below 40F.
Growing Environment: Grows well in humid, warm areas. Grows in well drained soil with regular watering.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Fruits are eaten fresh and used in beverages, liqueurs and desserts. The juice of the immature fruit, while clear, turns black-blue when in contact with skin. It was once used as a temporary tattoo agent.
Native Range: Native through much of Southern Mexico, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.