Sorva (Couma utilis)

Family: Apocynaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Sorva, Couma utilis, is a medium-sized tropical tree in South America that reaches up to 17 m in height with trunk diameter of up to 20 cm upon maturity. The leaves are simple and opposite or alternate in arrangement. The latex from the tree is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, worms, parasites, and skin irritations. It is also used to flavour drinks, caulking boats, and for varnishes, ceramics, glues, etc. The fruit is eaten raw.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Sap/Syrup

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, fleshy pulp. — Small and round, looking somewhat like a guava, with an edible sweet, fleshy pulp.; The flavour is like a mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) with a hint of sapodilla (Manilkara zapota).; The brown, globose fruit is about 4cm in diameter.; The latex obtained from the tree has a sweet flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Dense forest of virgin bushes, on flooded or dry land. Often grows in dry non-flood zones, in or near fields and grasslands. (Zone 10)