Family: Rubiaceae
Alibertia edulis is a small tree native to Central and South America. In its homeland grows well in sunny, lowland, disturbed areas-a good pioneer species for reforestation. Alibertia edulis thrives in poor soil conditions by quickly establishing and fast growth. A dioecious tree, both male and female trees, is needed to produce viable seeds. The fruit can be eaten raw or made into jellies. The leaves can be added to bathwater to help reduce hernias, and the wood can be used to make charcoal.
Plant Uses:
- Edible
- Ornamental
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Shade-tolerant
- Reproduces by seeds
- Reaches maturity in 2-3 years
- Seeds dispersed by frugivorous animals, and intentionally by people for cultivation
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Palatable to deer and possibly other browsing animals
- Non-toxic
- Edible fruit
- Dioecious
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Relatively large fruit and seeds unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed
- Does not tolerate fires