Borojoa patinoi, Borojo seeds
Borojoa patinoi, Borojo seeds
Borojoa patinoi, commonly known as Borojo, similar to Borojoa sorbilis cuatrec species synonym include Albertia patinoi (Cuatrec). The species is believed to belong to the family of Magnoliopsida; Asteridae; Rubiaceae; Rubiaceae under genius Alibertia. It is among the small, evergreen tropical rainforest trees with edible fruits. The origin can be traced to the north-west are of South America- Colombia, Brazil and some parts of Central America, however, the species has shown some existence in parts of Panama, Costa Rica and parts of Venezuela.
The borojo trees with growth about 5 meters in height, leaves are large evergreen and clustered at the branches. Particularly it entails broad elliptical leaves. Fruits are dense with a diameter of 7-12cm with brown pulp. Being dioecious male and female plants are needed for fertilisation to take place. The fruit contains 90 to 600 seeds; once it gets ripe, it falls in the floor. A ripe fruit weighs an average of 740-1000grams. Alibertia patinoi bark is brown and sometimes contains two to three small trunks.
Being a plant species suited to warm tropical lowlands, it usually hikes up to 700 meters and at times elevates up to 1200 meters. Temperatures vary though it can tolerate 150c-320c with an annual rainfall range of 3000-6000mm. However, high humidity is required for better flourishment. The plant thrives well in deep well-drained soil, with a Ph range of 4.5-6.5. Its fruits can take longer than one year to ripen after flowering.
The plant has different uses. For instance, a diet product can be obtained through dehydration of borojo pastes. High level of protein, calcium and iron can be obtained from borojo fruit. Fruits are eaten raw and time made to jellies or ice-cream. The fruit pulp is collected and used to prepare juice. Fruits are also appreciated for their tonic taste.
