Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei)

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

Greenheart or Chlorocardium rodiei is a flowering, evergreen tree native to South America that grows about 30 m in height with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The crown is small and heavy, sometimes irregularly open or conical or oval. The leaves have smooth edges and are arranged alternately. The fruit is a drupe with a single seed. It is used medicinally as remedy for fever and diarrhoea. The wood of greenheart is very hard and strong.

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

A dominant component of a restricted belt of lowland rainforest on brown sand and is also found occasionally in other forest types. Found mostly on slopes leading down to streams and in damp sites near streams. (Zone 10)