Itauba (Mezilaurus itauba)

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

Mezilaurus itauba or Itauba is a large, tropical, slow-growing, evergreen tree growing about 20 - 40 m tall and 60 - 80 cm in trunk diameter. It can be found in South America. It has a round crown. The bark yields an essential oil containing apiol that may cause abortion in pregnant women. The edible fruit is an ellipsoidal berry. The wood is heavy, highly durable, and resistant to attack of marine borer.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. The fruit is an ellipsoid berry, around 2 x 1cm. No more details. — The fruit is an ellipsoid berry, around 2 x 1cm.; No more details.

Habitat & North American Range

Primary forests of high terrain, with sandy or clayey-sandy soils, well-drained and of low fertility. Humid tropical and subtropical forests in Bolivia. (Zone 10)