Tarajo (Ilex latifolia)

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

Ilex latifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). .

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The leaves are used as a tea substitute. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute. — The leaves are used as a tea substitute.; The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Evergreen broad-leaf forests, shrub forests and bamboo forests at elevations of 200 - 1500 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)