Sapindaceae FAMILY

Cupania americana

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Cupania americana is an evergreen tree with a broadly spreading, rounded crown; it can grow 6 - 15 metres tall. The bole can be 25cm in diameter[ 447 Title Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Publication Author Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. Publisher USDA, Forest Service; Washington. Year 1964 ISBN Description Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. It has been suggested as a shade-giving ornamental[ 447 Title Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Publication Author Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. Publisher USDA, Forest Service; Washington. Year 1964 ISBN Description Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeS. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama, Honduras, Guatemala; Caribbean - Trinidad to Cuba.

HabitatForests, especially along streams, in the moist coast, moist limestone, and lower mountain regions of Puerto Rico[ 447 Title Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Publication Author Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. Publisher USDA, Forest Service; Washington. Year 1964 ISBN Description Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species. ].