Ipecac (Carapichea ipecacuanha)

Family: Rubiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ipecac, Carapichea ipecacuanha, is a small flowering shrub that only grows up about 50 cm tall. It is native to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Mainly a medicinal plant, its roots are used against many ailments such as coughs, fever, amoebic dysentery, and bronchitis. It is used to make a powerful emetic known as “syrup of ipecac”. However, when consumed in high amounts, severe vomiting and diarrhoea will be experienced.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

An understory shrub of rainforests. (Zone 10)