Bastard Cedar. West Indian elm (Guazuma ulmifolia)

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

Guazuma ulmifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour other foods. — The seeds are edible, fresh or cooked.; The seeds are about 3mm long.; Fruits - raw or cooked.; Eaten green the fruits can be crushed in water to make a beverage or used to flavour other foods.

Habitat & North American Range

Colonizes recently disturbed areas and is also found growing along stream banks and in pastures. It is a common species in secondary forest. (Zone 10)