 Parmentiera edulis, Parmentiera aculeata
Family: Bign oniaceae
Guajilote, Cuachilote, Guahalote, Candle Tree, Cucumber Tree
Origin: Mexico and Guatemala
small tree 10-20 ft, full sun, regular water
This highly ornamental tree is due to the interesting shape of
its leaves and the greenish-cream flowers that grow directly from
the stem or branch tips. The fibrous, ridged, fruit is 12" long and
2” wide. It resembles a greenish-yellow cucumber, it is juicy with a
sweet flavor similar to sugar cane. Eaten either raw or cooked. The
fruit is sometimes made into pickles or preserves. It is reported to
be a good remedy for colds, and the roots are used as a diuretic.
The tree is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions but is
most frequently found in high-rainfall forests where it grows
spontaneously. |
