Caucho Negro (Castilla ulei)

Family: Moraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Castilla ulei is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. The soft pulp is edible when fresh. The fruit is 20mm long and 25mm wide when dried, so will be larger when fresh. — The soft pulp is edible when fresh.; The fruit is 20mm long and 25mm wide when dried, so will be larger when fresh.

Habitat & North American Range

Clearings and other open spots in primary forests, generally in company with Cecropia species; or in the fertile, sparsely wooded alluvial flats of valley bottoms. Rainforests, where it is found at elevations from sea level to 500 metres in Ecuador. (Zone 10)