Serendipity Berry (Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii)

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

Serendipity Berry or Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii is a perennial climbing plant about 1.8 m long with more or less woody stems that are usually 2m in diameter and twines into other plants for support. It is native to tropical Africa. It is harvested from the wild for its edible fruit and root. The small, sub-ovoid fruit is a drupe that can be consumed raw ?

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, mucilaginous pulp of the fruit is considered to be the sweetest known naturally occurring substance - it is up to 3,000 times sweeter than sucrose. — The intensely sweet, mucilaginous pulp of the fruit is considered to be the sweetest known naturally occurring substance - it is up to 3,000 times sweeter than sucrose.; It has been recommended as a non-carbohydrate sugar substitute.; The fruit can keep for several weeks at room temperature.; Small and yam-like.

Habitat & North American Range

Dense rain-forest and galleried forest, often in old cultivation sites. (Zone 10)