Euphorbiaceae FAMILY

Vaupesia cataractarum

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

The seeds contain cyanic compounds and are poisonous[ 587 Title Journal of the Arnold Arboretum Vol. 37 Publication Author Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Harvard University Year 1956 ISBN Description Amongst other articles, it contains an excellent article on the food uses of the genus Hevea. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. They can, however, be prepared as food - see the method below in Edible Uses[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].

Botanical Description

Vaupesia cataractarum is an evergreen tree growing up to 25 metres tall[ 587 Title Journal of the Arnold Arboretum Vol. 37 Publication Author Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Harvard University Year 1956 ISBN Description Amongst other articles, it contains an excellent article on the food uses of the genus Hevea. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. Although poisonous unless treated, the seeds are often gathered as a source of food for native people.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeNorthern S. America - northern Brazil, Colombia.

HabitatRocky and sterile but well-watered sites usually alongside cataracts and rapids in the rivers, where there are either quartzitic or granitic outcrops[ 587 Title Journal of the Arnold Arboretum Vol. 37 Publication Author Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Harvard University Year 1956 ISBN Description Amongst other articles, it contains an excellent article on the food uses of the genus Hevea. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ].