Brosimum alicastrum Sw. subsp. alicastrum
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Authority
Berg, Cornelius C. 1972. Olmedieae, Brosimeae (Moraceae). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 7: 1-229. (Published by NYBG Press)
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Family
Moraceae
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Scientific Name
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Type
Type. Swartz sn, Jamaica (S).
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Synonyms
Helicostylis ojoche Schumann ex Pittier, Brosimum terrabanum Pittier, Piratinera terrabana (Pittier) Lundell, Brosimum conzattii Standl., Brosimum gentlei Lundell
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Description
Description - Anthers peltate with fused thecae.
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Discussion
Use. The leaves are used for cattle fodder. The seeds are eaten; they are boiled, roasted, or ground, giving a black flour used for bread or tortillas (cf Cook 1935; Lundell 1937). The latex is probably like milk. The bark is said to contain a substance stimulating lactation. The wood appears to be a valuable timber.
No distinct regional morphological discontinuities could be found. -
Common Names
ojoche, ujusthe, masico, guaimaro, breadnut
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Distribution
Cuba and Jamaica, and Central America from Mexico (State of Sonora) to Costa Rica, also Trinidad, Saint Vincent, and Carriacou (The Grenadines); in evergreen and primary or secondary semi-evergreen or deciduous tropical forests up to 1000 m altitude; regionally very common; also planted. The tree may occur in dry habitats but also in seasonally-flooded places near rivers or in swampy places. The tree is very common near ruins of ancient sites, giving the climax-association known as ramonal. \The
Mexico North America| Guatemala Central America| Belize Central America| Honduras Central America| Nicaragua Central America| Costa Rica South America| Cuba South America| Jamaica South America| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines South America| Trinidad and Tobago South America|