This site requires Javascript to be turned on. Please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Plants & People: The Intersection of Botany and Human Experience

Aguaje: Tree of Life

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly called aguaje or buriti, is a tall fruit bearing palm tree dominating swampy areas of the amazon rainforest. In these micro ecosystems, they provide various ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, water retention and purification, habitat provisions, and a highly nutritious food source. It is one of the few trees able to thrive in the harsh acidic and flooded soils of the swamps, earning a role as a keystone species. Humans have also relied on the palm and its aguaje fruits for hundreds of years, utilizing every part of the tree from the roots to the leaves. The fruit is commonly eaten raw or turned into jellies, popsicles, ice cream, or drinks. The fruit is considered a superfood, with the highest known level of vitamin A, as well as Vitamin C, E, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens. Aguaje has traditionally served a medicinal role- energizing, focusing, renewing, balancing hormones, and boosting women’s fertility and figures. These medicinal roles, along with the economic, social, and ecological services the tree provides, have earned it the name “the tree of life.”

Nomenclature
Aguaje is the tree’s widespread name in Peru, where it grows abundantly. Along with being the name of the itself tree as well as the fruit it bears, the term has several meanings in Spanish related to water. One of these is “watering place,” or the tree’s swampy habitat across the Amazon. The palm is also referred to as buriti in Brazil, moriche in Colombia and Venezuela, and ita in Guyana (Koolen et al., 2018).

Aguaje was the first Amazonian palm tree scientifically published in 1781 as Mauritia flexuosa in Carl von Linnaeus’s Supplementum Plantarum (Koolen et al., 2018). Flexuosa means “full of bends” in Latin, which is most likely referencing the morphology of the tree- the way the palm leaves bend out away from the center. Alexander von Humboldt, an explorer considered the father of ecology, referred to aguaje as “the tree of life” in his manuscript about his expeditions through South America (Koolen et al., 2018). He had observed first hand the major ecological, economic, and social roles that it played, giving life to the surrounding ecosystem, the people, and their cultures. Today, the aguaje fruit is commonly consumed by women to improve fertility and is believed by locals to refresh and renew the body, giving further meaning to the term “tree of life.”

Evolutionary History

Mauritia flexuosa and its closest relative, Mauritiella armata, belong to the family Arecaceae, the palms. High antioxidant levels and the presence of flavonoids were observed in the extracts of all the analyzed structures of these two species. Together they form a clade with Lepidocaryum tenue, classified as the subtribe Lepidocaryeae (Freire, J.A.P., 2016).

Populations of M. flexuosa throughout the Neotropics rose and fell during the glacial cycling of the Quaternary glaciation, the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history. Its fossil pollen record has shown populations of high genetic diversity persisting in central Amazonia, these regions serving as historical refugia for them. The area surrounding the Roraima State of Brazil is thought to be the center of origin for M. flexuosa (Rull, 1998; van der Hammen, 1957), in transition areas between dense forests and more open areas. This region is considered an important source of establishment of different plant species that expanded their distribution during the Pleistocene geological time period. Gene flow between M. flexuosa populations follows river basins and the direction of their water flow, suggesting the rivers’ importance for seed dispersal and determining patterns of genetic variation (Sander et al., 2018).

Aguaje has become a staple calorie source for countless organisms in its environment because of its high fruit yield and the fruit’s high nutrient content. The tree provides other exceptional ecosystem services, including water quality improvement and carbon storage, which have helped it evolve into a central part of the niche ecosystem, the aguajales. It has been termed a “hyperdominant” species because population densities are 5x higher than expected, which is uncommon in an Amazon ecosystem (Steege et al., 2013). M. flexuosa is one of the few species in the Amazon with the ability to dominate and monopolize an ecosystem, being the closest the Amazon comes to a monoculture. The aguaje tree has adapted to endure harsh circumstances deemed unacceptable by most other trees. The trees have an extensive root system, which allows them to grow in high acidity soils with bad drainage, such as flooded swamp areas and peatlands (Sander et al, 2018).

Botanical Aspects (Vegetative and Reproductive)

Mauritia flexuosa, part of the Arecaceae family, is a palm tree that can grow up to 35 meter in height and 35 cm in diameter. Adult specimens are polygamous, with male, female and bisexual inflorescence on separate specimens, making it difficult to differentiate before any flowering occurs. Only the "females produce the fruits, with the pollination of the male flowers. There are an average of 10-25 costapalmate leaves, 6 meter in length, with a petiole of 1.6-4 meters in length. Its leaves compose the spherical crown of the palm tree. There are an average of 8 inflorecensce each 2-3 meter long, each containing approximately 115 flowers, which adds up to 45,000 flowers per blossom The fruit is characterized by its ellipsoid oval-shaped drupe covered by red or dark red-coloured cornea scales. It is between 5-7cm long and 4-5 cm in diameter. Both female and male agauje trees reach flowering at the age of 7-8, but only start producing commercial yields after 2 decades. (Koolen et al.,2018)(Vasquez et al., 2008)(Santos, 2005)

Ecology

M. flexuosa is the most abundant palm tree in South America, dominating low-lying flooded areas of the Amazon- unique for such a biodiverse environment. These “homogenous forests” span millions of hectares and play many important ecological roles (Koolen et al., 2018). Because of their abundance, with certain locations having higher than 1000 per square kilometer, the palms have become a keystone species with entire ecosystems evolved to depend on them. They serve as sources of carbon exchange and sequestration, and of food and habitats and for a wide variety of species. M. flexuosa habitats are associated with high species richness, particularly of fish, frogs, and toads (Virapongse et al.).

The tree is deciduous, with separate plants having staminate and pistillate flowers. After about a decade of maturation, a female aguaje palm produces 4–8 racemes, each bearing 500-2000 fruits. The yellowish flowers appear from December to April, bearing ripe fruit in June. Reported fruit yields range from 6.5-9.07 mt/ha. The high yield production of extremely nutritious fruit allowed for a wide range of wildlife, including primates, ungulates (hooved mammals), reptiles, birds, and even fish, to depend upon this species as a food source (Virapongse et al., 2017). Fallen stems or old trees serve as a substrate for the palm beetle, whose larvae are a delicacy in local communities. Seeds are dispersed by the animals eating the aguaje fruit and by water, as the fruits float. Aguaje fruit is a critical food source for birds during the dry season because the palm swamps stay flooded, while other fruits are scarce due to the dry environment. (Manzi et al., 2009). Individuals can grow up to 35m and live for over 150 years, providing many ecological services throughout their lifespan and nurturing the wellbeing of an entire ecosystem.

Cultivation Practices

Although the aguaje palm has the ability to grow where many other food trees cannot, the difficulty of identifying females, the 10 years it can take to produce any fruit at all, and its blockage of sunlight for understory crops makes it a difficult crop to integrate into farms, with limited success of past cultivation.

The fruit is typically harvested from wild rainforests and not generally exported or sold outside the local regions where it grows. Currently, fruits are harvested by rural communities and sold to middle men and distributors in more populated areas. It is mostly processed in traditional household ways, other than oil extraction for a few cosmetics companies.The harvest season is from December to July, with a maximum yield in April (Santos, 2005). The fruit is collected by either climbing the palm and cutting the branches, or by cutting down the entire tree. Due to increasing demand and large scale destructive harvesting methods, the palm has depleted throughout the Peruvian Amazon (Brokamp et al. 2011). There are now more efforts for sustainably Managing Amazonian palms for community use, and Several governmental organizations have begun promoting aguaje plantations for local markets as a cash crop. El instituto de investigación de la amazonía peruana (IIAP) has been working on selectively propagating individuals to create faster bearing semi-dwarf varieties for agroforestry. Camino Verde’s Reforestation Center in Madre de Dios, Peru, have vouched for aguaje’s versatility and functionality in multi-crop agroforestry systems. However, planting aguaje remains a foreign concept for most who live in the region. The fruit symbolizes the wild for them- it is gathered, not cultivated.

Nutritional Value and Consumption

The part of the plant most commonly consumed is the pulp. It can be eaten raw or made into products such as juice, jelly, ice cream, and popsicles. The stipe is starchy and is used to make flour for bread, while the sap can be fermented for palm wine. Aguaje is the richest known natural source of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy teeth, tissues, bones, and skin (Manzi et al., 2009). It is also high in Vitamin C and E, antioxidants, fatty acids, and phytoestrogens, which reinforces the symbolic identity of the plant.

Along with its high nutritional content, aguaje is valued for its traditional medicinal role. It has been used as a hormonal regulator and to improve chronic fatigue, mental fog, and vision. The phytoestrogens in the fruit are naturally occurring compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Many women eat aguaje to help boost their fertility or figure.

The entirety of the palm is used for different purposes, from its roots to its leaves. Oil is extracted from the fruit and used to heal wounds, bites, and burns, as well as to protect the skin from the sun (Koolen et al., 2012). Triacylglycerols and fatty acids are the main compound classes of the oil, which keeps the skin looking youthful by moisturizing and supporting collagen production.

Historical Beliefs of Mauritia flexuosa

The Maijina, Is one of Peru’s indigenous groups that bases their culture around the Amazon basin near the city of Iquito. They are deeply rooted within the habitat and ecology of Mauritia flexuosa, holding vast ecological knowledge. The Maijina has historically inhabited the Yanayacu River, the Napo and Putumayo rivers, and as a result have formed folklore in connection to 7 major aguajales/swamps areas. One of these aguajales, which the Maijina have named Gogobai ni cuadu, is believed to be associated with a malevolent female spirit, Gogobai. It is widely believed by the community that Gogobai reside within the aguajales, but on occasions will leave the jungle and wander around the communities, only to prey on children, lead them back to the aguajales and eat them. Gogobai appears to at times be invisible and when abducting children, take on the form of a woman similar to the mother of the child. This traditional Maijuna story highlights the dangers that Gogobai pose to Maijuna children, however, this does not prevent the entry of all family members to aguajales for the collection of the aguaje fruit. (Story information retrieved from consultant testimony in Gilmores, 2013)

Expansion and Domestication History

Although pollen records corresponding to Mauritia flexuosa within South America reveal that this palm tree has been present for the past four ice age cycles, it was held in small but widely distributed regions across the Amazon (Rull and Montoya, 2014). These sites likely restricted Mauritia flexuosa to small regions with favorable climate conditions for growth, often referred to as microrefugia. (Rull and Montoya, 2014). Mauritia flexuosa only expanded its domain with climate shift during the Holocene nearly 2000 years ago, when it underwent a remarkable expansion in most parts of northern South America (Montoya et al., 2009, 2011). This expansion from a series of small sites to what is now the most abundant palm tree across the Amazon, leads to the question of how or who instigated such an expansion. Though it has been theorized that humans might have domesticated and cultivated Mauritia flexuosa at large scales in the past (Triana & Molina, 1998), no conclusive evidence has been presented for this case. In answering the mystery that is the expansion of Mauritia flexuosa, through a genetic survey of Mauritia palm communities across several river sites in the amazon, it was found that the direction of gene flow between populations fell in line with the direction of river basin from which they grew from (Sanders, 2018), pointing to the realization of seed dispersal as the main contributing factor for the expansion of Mauritia flexuosa along river streams after the ice age.

Human Experience

Today Mauritia flexuosa palm has substantial economic importance, the aguaje fruit is regarded as an amazonian staple for its unique flavor, abundance and nutritional value. Sellers, known as "rematistas" in the area, purchase the fruit, mainly by women (single, widowed, divorced, etc.) from (15 to 82) years old. These merchants sell the fruit as mashed aguaje, unripe fruit, and processed items like popsicles at the main marketplaces, minor markets, and factories. For this reason, the fruit has gathered large popular and commercial diversity, often consumed raw in beverages, ice cream, frozen and much more. Iquito, the biggest peruvian city within the Amazon basin, has been estimated to consume 148.8 metric tons of aguaje fruit per month, which when compared to traditional methods of harvesting includes the cutting of adult female trees (Delgado, 2007). This growing demand for the fruit is not unique to Iquito, in other amazon region such as Loreto (Peru) and Maranhao (Brazil) the growing demand for agauje products have led to the overall overexploitation of aguajales (Sampaio et al. 2012). The economic incentive for cutting down aguaje palms threatens the communities who depend on the resources.

Aguaje is widely used by the communities along the rivers and swamps and has been referred to as the “tree of life”, with no small title, aguaje provides an array of resources, services and benefits as a daily food staple (Barros & Da Silva, 2013). In Brazil, the riverine people hold extensive knowledge of the palm tree, with their own cultural management practices for agaugales in order to harvest the fruit in a viable way to prevent the cutting of the palms (Sakai, 2017). Additionally, there seems to be strong generational ties within the riverine people of Brazil, where the harvesting of the aguege is done collectively by all members of the family, incorporating the young in such a manner that the traditional knowledge for harvesting gauge is appropriate by the next generation (Barros, 2021).

In Peru, where aguaje is the name for Mauritia flexuosa, its name is associated with the presence of water “agua”. There regions characterized by the growing of aguaje palms near bodies of water, either swamps, rivers of wetlands, are referred to as "Aguajales” and their associated resources have been and continue to be culturally significant for its inhabitants (Gilmore, 2013). Not only does aguaje mean a source of nutrition for humans but for the series of organisms that also rely on the fruit of aguajales for food. Approximately 20 distinct animal species consume Mauritia flexuosa fruit and are hunted in Mauritia flexuosa palm swamps, according to experts. There are 13 mammalian species, 6 bird species, and 1 reptile species, all of which are consumed and somewhat more than half (55%) are sold as game meat. (Gilmore, 2013). And though a large chunk of people depend on aguajales as a source of income, another large number of people who inhabit the areas near the rivers make most of their financial income from raising cattle and livestock, as well as hunting near these waterways (Barros, 2021).

Works Cited

Barros, F. B., de Sousa, F. F., de Andrade, J. P., Ramos, F. M. & Vieira-da-Silva, C. Ethnoecology of miriti (Mauritia flexuosa, L.f.) fruit extraction in the Brazilian Amazon: knowledge and practices of riverine peoples contribute to the biodiversity conservation. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 17, 3 (2021).

Brokamp, G., N.Valderrama, M. Mittelbach, C. A. Grandez R., A. S. Barfod, and M. Weigand. 2011. Trade in Palm Products in North-Western South America. Botanical Review 77(4):571-606.

Castro, D. A. M. et al. Genetic structure analysis of Mauritia flexuosa natural population from the Lençóis Maranhenses region using microsatellite markers. Sci. agric. (Piracicaba, Braz.) 79, (2021).

Gilmore, M. P., Endress, B. A. & Horn, C. M. The socio-cultural importance of Mauritia flexuosa palm swamps (aguajales) and implications for multi-use management in two Maijuna communities of the Peruvian Amazon. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 9, 29 (2013).

Koolen, H.F. da Silva, F., da Silva, V.S.V., Paz, W., Bataglion, G. 2018. Buriti Fruit- Mauritia flexuosa. Academic Press. 61-67.

Manzi, M. & Coomes, O. T. Managing Amazonian palms for community use: A case of aguaje palm (Mauritia flexuosa) in Peru. Forest Ecology and Management 257, 510–517 (2009).

Melo, W. A., Freitas, C. G., Bacon, C. D. & Collevatti, R. G. The road to evolutionary success: insights from the demographic history of an Amazonian palm. Heredity 121, 183–195 (2018).5.

Pereira Freire, J. A. et al. Phytochemistry Profile, Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa. Journal of Food Science 81, R2611–R2622 (2016).

Rull, V. & Montoya, E. Mauritia flexuosa palm swamp communities: natural or human-made? A palynological study of the Gran Sabana region (northern South America) within a neotropical context. Quaternary Science Reviews 99, 17–33 (2014).

Sander, N. L. et al. Rivers shape population genetic structure in Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae). Ecology and Evolution 8, 6589–6598 (2018).

Santos, 2005. L.M.P. Santos Nutritional and ecological aspects of buriti or aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa Linnaeus filius): A carotene-rich palm fruit from Latin America. Ecol. Food. Nutr., 44 (2005), pp. 345-358

Silva, R. S., Ribeiro, L. M., Mercadante-Simões, M. O., Nunes, Y. R. F. & Lopes, P. S. N. Seed structure and germination in buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), the Swamp palm. Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants 209, 674–685 (2014).

Steege, H. T., Pitman, N. C., Sabatier, D., Baraloto, C., Salomão, R. P., Guevara, J. E., ... Silman, M. R.. (2013). Hyperdominance in the Amazonian tree flora. Science, 342, 1243092.

Virapongse, A., Endress, B. A., Gilmore, M. P., Horn, C. & Romulo, C. Ecology, livelihoods, and management of the Mauritia flexuosa palm in South America. Global Ecology and Conservation 10, 70–92 (2017).

This page has paths:

Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
Contents of this path:
1. Lepidium meyenii: The fertility root Maca… maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe you consume it on a daily basis. Maca is the highest elevation crop known today, and is native to the high elevation Andes mountains in Peru, growing in elevations up to 4500 m high! Maca has been a highly valued commodity for many indigenous peoples within the Andes mountains of Peru throughout history and persists to be valued today. Known for its turnip-like shape due to its bulbous hypocotyl, it is highly sought after for its roots. Consuming the roots will result in many notable benefits, such as nutritional benefits, mood improvements, and enhancements in energy, strength… even fertility, all which are backed by numerous studies. These benefits are all due to the numerous nutrients, fibers, bioactive compounds, and natural compounds lepidiline A and B that are contained within Maca. Combined, they all make Maca the nutritional powerhouse that is today. Once this nutritional powerhouse was advertised to the world, it became an immediate hit. The demand for Maca created a market boom and countries started trying to cultivate the plant to meet the demand. One country that cultivated Maca is China. In the high mountains of Yunnan, Maca was successfully cultivated and thus became a common ingredient in Chinese traditional medicine. As such, Maca remains an important dietary source not only in Peru, but as well as worldwide! With more research being done today to further explore what components are in Maca, only time will tell what additional health benefits Maca has to offer us. By Mellanie Gamero and Jacqueline Duong
2. Moringa oleifera: Domestication Histories and Emerging Deviations from Indian Origin The superfood, Moringa oleifera, has a rich history deeply rooted in its native Indian domestication and usage. Also widely known as “The Miracle Tree”, M. oleifera is often recognized by its white flowers and long-seed pods that are greatly sought after. Not only does M. oleifera provide an incomparable food source and multipurpose oil through its pods, but all parts of the plant may be used and consumed. The versatility of this plant is venerated in Indian culture where its consumption and, most importantly, medicinal usage involve all parts of the plant. Due to its spread across other countries, the species and its utilization have evolved to suit individual cultures and their own domestication desires. In the Philippines and North and South Africa, its nutritional value is greatly relied upon to treat malnourishment, purify water, and support community infrastructure while the Indian native medicinal usage is less emphasized and not well known. The Americas, on the other hand, have increasingly toyed with the novel M. oleifera ‘organic-superfood’ craze that tends to remove emphasis from its cultural value and multipurpose utilization to instead fawn over its supposed energy boosts, skin care implementations, and uses in its powder – likely less effective and increasingly more expensive than the original. Though its original purpose grows increasingly colonized, the domestication ventures globally of this superfood continue the legacy of the Moringa oleifera species itself – marked genetic increases in energy production associated with plastic to nucleus gene duplications. As each nation tends to and selects for various aspects of this energy contribution – whether for the nutritional, medicinal, or vanity value – the variation in these M. oleifera may grow towards eventual speciation. By George Vetushko and Lauren Guevara #drumsticktree
3. Salvia hispanica: A Source of Strength Traditionally a key component in Aztec and Mexican culture, chia seeds have been used for centuries for their nutritional, decorative, and medicinal qualities. A common staple in many cultures around the world, these tiny seeds pack a powerful punch and are enjoyed by fitness enthusiasts everywhere. While the seeds themselves are easily recognizable, less well known is their source: a plant known as Salvia hispanica. This flowering, annual herb has a fascinating history and distinctive morphological traits that have evolved over time due to human cultivation. By exploring the myriad ways that this plant has interacted with people over the course of history, we can gain a greater appreciation of how chia seeds have been an important source of strength and inspiration for many. By Joshua Matsuda, Sarah Hoffman, Julia Lindner #Chia
4. Breadfruit: The Intrepid Fruit's Journey with Indigenous Peoples and Colonization Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) is an intrepid dicot with a rich history and culture surrounding it. Breadfruit trees are a single-trunked tree with a spreading, evergreen canopy. Breadfruit trees are monoecious with both the male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers are club shaped, and the female flowers are thousands of small flowers with 2 anthers around a spongy core. The name is derived from the Greek words bread and fruit (artos = bread & karpos = fruit). There are over 2,000 documented names because of its widely spread distribution across the Pacific. A. altilis originated from the South Pacific and was later spread throughout Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia by voyagers. As a result, breadfruit is adapted to a wide variety of climates and conditions in equatorial lowlands. In addition, breadfruit trees thrive in humid tropics and can grow in a variety of soils. Breadfruit became a staple crop because of its nutritional and medicinal value. In the 1700s, breadfruit’s ease of maintenance and nutritional value made it a prime crop, in the eyes of colonizers, to feed African slaves in the Caribbean. Today, breadfruit continues to have an important role in sustainability, fighting malnutrition, and increasing food security. There are research efforts to increase the nutritional value and initiatives to promote breadfruit cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. For example, The National Tropical Botanical Garden established the Breadfruit Institute in 2003 in hopes of promoting the study of breadfruit for agroforestry, reforestation, global food security and economic development. #Angelica Soriano and Bucky Squier
5. Tarwi: A forgotten gift from the Andes Tarwi is an Andean lupine that has been cultivated by those native to the Andes for at least 1500 years. The scientific name of this lupine is Lupinus mutabilis, Lupinus meaning “wolfish,” and mutabilis meaning “variable.” It can survive in high elevations ranging from 1650 to 3300 meters. This plant is a dependable crop that has been used by the pre-Inca and Inca people in crop cycling with other native Andean plants such as quinoa and potatoes. Documentation of the use of tarwi has been recorded archeologically in Naza culture tombs and Tiahuanaco ceramics. There are also records of high cultivation of tarwi through Spanish taxation records that recorded 10,000 hectares cultivated. The use of tarwi decreased following Spanish colonization when Old World crops were introduced to the area; by 1980, only 5,200 hectares of tarwi were cultivated in Peru. Tarwi has colorful purple flowers and palmate leaves, making the plant strikingly beautiful. The tarwi plant can self-pollinate and does not rely on one specific pollinator making it less vulnerable to fluctuations in pollinator populations. In addition to being dependable in pollination, tarwi can be planted in poor soil because it can fix nitrogen in the soil. The tarwi plant contains alkaloids, making it less susceptible to pathogens and pests. The seeds of this plant are consumed, but the seeds need to be soaked in water for two to four days to remove the water-soluble alkaloids that make the seeds bitter. As an Andean native plant, Lupinus mutabilis has various properties and uses that have enhanced the diets and lives of Peruvians and other South Americans. By Lysol Patino and Sarah Simpson #tarwi
6. Smallanthus sonchifolius: The Superfood of the Andes Smallanthus sonchifolius is a plant that in recent years has gained a lot of traction internationally. Its ability to store sugars in the form of carbohydrates has resulted in a very profitable market for yacón cultivators. People have begun looking at this food as a healthier alternative to sugars which has in turn led to its global expansion. A food that was once limited to exist within the Andes has now expanded to other continents. Yacón's human impact has been a part of South American culture for thousands of years, as it is believed to have originated before Incan times. During this time period yacón's consumption was limited to religious events; today however, it is a food that is consumed globally. Apart from its sweet tuberous roots, other parts of the plant that are edible are the leaves and the flowers. Together these attributes allow yacón to be known as one of the superfoods from the Andes. By Jessica Manriquez and Amanda Lin #yacón
7. Irvingia Gabonensis: The Untapped Diversity of Dika Plant Irvingia gabonensis is a multipurpose, undomesticated fruit tree native to West and Central Africa. Belonging to the family of Irvingiaceae, this evergreen tree species can grow to a height of 40 meters and attain a diameter of about 120 centimeters. The tree produces mango-like fruits that are well known for their nutritious kernels. Even though the fruit of this plant is also referred to as the African bush mango, the plant has no connection to the actual mango fruit. The dika tree can be found in the dry and wet tropical zones such as Nigeria, Angola, Uganda, Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. It is also known to grow in farmland areas, semi-deciduous forests, and gallery forests. Despite its obscurity on the international level, this species should hardly be considered a minor resource. Almost all parts of the plant have a use from its fruit to its bark. Additionally, it serves as a main source of food and income for indigenous groups in Africa such as the Baka tribe from Central Africa. Due to how prized this plant species is, the dika plant is left untouched by the indigenous people when forests are cleared. Once domesticated, the plant can potentially be used to treat the high levels of malnutrition in Africa. Yet, with increasing local and regional demand for the plant’s kernels, the African bush mango has been facing intense exploitation. Additionally, the disappearance of local wildlife such as elephants are affecting the plant’s dispersal. As a result, the I. gabonensis plant has been classified as a highly endangered species. By Ian Morris and Nikhitha Nair #dika
8. Goji Berries: The Key to Eternal Youth? Goji Berries have become a symbol of the Superfood movement which has continued to gain traction in the US and across the world. Although they have served as a token of this emerging trend, goji berries have been renowned in Asia for their nutritious qualities for many centuries. Its use has been documented for almost 2000 years in traditional Chinese medicine (Gross et al., 2006). The goji industry has skyrocketed during the 21st century as they’ve been recognized for their nutritious qualities. Goji berries have a rich cultural history which has contributed to their claim to fame. In 2003, health writer Earl Mindell distributed a booklet which suggested that goji berries had anti-cancer properties - this drove their entry into the Superfood market. His claims were based on the myth of Li Qing Yuen; the herbalist supposedly consumed goji berries daily which allowed him to live 256 years (Earl Mindell and Rick Handel, 2003). While Mindell’s booklet was full of false exaggerations, there is merit to many of his claims regarding the nutritional benefits of goji berries. Two species are colloquially known as goji berries: Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. Their unique vegetative and reproductive morphology makes harvesting the berries labor intensive. Both the goji berry and immature leaves from L. chinense and L. barbarum are eaten by many for their health benefits - while the benefits have been known for centuries, the underlying macromolecular structure that dictates these properties is only being explored in more recent decades. By Catherine Nordstrom & Ismael Rodriguez #Goji
9. Tiger Nuts: Cultivar, Weed, and the Plasticity of Plant-People Relationships Contrary to its name, the tiger nut is the edible tuber of Cyperus esculentus, a sedge that originates from the Mediterranean area. While it was considered a valuable crop in pre-dynastic Egypt where it was even entombed with Egyptian officials, Cyperus esculentus became widely known as an invasive weed during the 19th century. Because of its low yield, it was never considered valuable enough to cultivate as a cash crop. Once again, however, the tiger nut is regaining its popularity but now as a superfood. With its high fiber content and ability to promote gut health, it continues to rise in popularity as one of many superfoods available in the market today. By Phan Tran, Karla Gonzalez
11. Aronia melanocarpa: fine wines to phenols Aronia melanocarpa, also known as Aronia Berries or Black Chokeberries, recently garnered attention for its potential as a “superfood” that combats a variety of diseases. Its scientific name refers to its dark pome fruit, while its common name is a reference to its tart and astringent flavor. Originally native to woodlands and bogs in North America, this shrub has historically been used as medicines and food by the Potawatomi and Abnaki people. It was first described as “Mespilus arbutifolia var. Melanocarpa” in 1803, by the French botanist André Michaux. It was then recategorized as “Aronia melanocarpa”, by American botanist Stephen Elliot in 1821 .Now, it is enjoyed throughout Eastern Europe in jams and wines after its introduction post World War II. Beyond commercial production, this plant can be found planted in rows in people’s gardens. These plants are deciduous, with green, gold leaves that change color to a burgundy red in the fall. They produce inflorescences of small white flowers that ripen into the berries that provide many health benefits. Recent research into the uses of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and phenolic acids suggests that extracts from the plant could be useful for anti-inflammatory purposes or treatments for diseases ranging from diabetes to cancers. As a result, the industries for Aronia berries have been on the rise and these berries have been introduced into many new recipes for everyday use. By Natalie Keung and Joanne Kwak #chokeberries
12. Eragostis tef: From Injera to fertility and everything else in between Teff is a unique member of the grass (Poaceae) family that is a staple in East Africa and accounts for a large portion of East African diets. Teff, known for being the plant with the smallest seeds, is a labor intensive crop that is necessary in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisines. This necessity is born from the traditional usage of Teff flour being used in the fermentation and creation of Injera, a sour spongy flatbread. This demand of Injera, and therefore Teff flour, has led to 31% of Ethiopian landmass being used for the cultivation of Teff. The agronomics of Teff are interesting in that Teff can only thrive in climates similar to the East African Highlands and the planting and harvesting of Teff are known to be labor intensive due to its rooting pattern and its small grain size. Teff itself has multiple physiological variations ranging from varying colors for both the seeds and the plant to variations in Amino Acid, Protein, and nutrition profiles. Teff’s stability as a choice crop in East Africa is accredited to its hardiness to survive drought and water logged conditions when rooted in the proper soil conditions, shelf stability, and the straw can be used for livestock forage feed. Teff is thought to originate some time around the 6000 B.C, but cultivated at some point around 2500 B.C as the earliest known record of Teff, is seeds found in bricks of the Dahshur Pyramids, most prominently the Red Pyramid of Sneferu. By Luis Angel Yepez #tef
13. Sacha Inchi: Super Seeds Plukenetia volubilis, commonly known as sacha inchi, is extremely valuable as both a source of nutritional and medicinal benefits. Sacha inchi has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Amazon Basin by the Incas and other indigenous peoples, who have used it as both food and medicine. The incredible properties of this plant are primarily derived from the seeds and the oil extracted from them. The seeds contain very high levels of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, including both omega-3 and omega-6, which have been shown to promote cardiovascular health. The seeds additionally have high protein content and have been used in traditional Peruvian cooking as a nutritious staple. A number of dishes are traditionally prepared with sacha inchi, including snacks, confections, soups, and porridges. Compounds found in the seeds have been used by indigenous groups to treat a variety of illnesses, including rheumatism, muscle pain, high cholesterol, cardiovascular issues, and gastrointestinal ailments. Scientific studies of compounds derived from sacha inchi have suggested that the plant may be useful in suppressing tumor proliferation and treating dermatitis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. The plant has also been found to have antioxidant properties, which may promote health and support immune function. The versatility of the seeds and seed oil derived from sacha inchi as both highly nutritious food and extremely powerful medicine encourages further study and cultivation of this fascinating plant, which is not fully domesticated. The high genetic diversity of wild sacha inchi plants offers a wonderful starting point to cultivation efforts, with the potential for increasing yield and optimizing nutrient levels. By Amanda Bueno-Kling and Giselle Correa #sachainchi
15. Açaí Berry: The Exploitation of Labor in South America The açaí berry is a small drupe, similar in size to a blueberry but deeper purple in color. Native to Eastern Amazonia, the açaí berry has only recently begun to be popularized as a “superfood” in urban communities in the United States within the past 20 years. This superfood claims to be helpful for a variety of major health concerns including, but not limited to, arthritis, weight loss, high cholesterol, and detoxification (NCCIH). Even though research is limited and these claims remain unproven, the popularity of açaí berries still manages to grow exponentially each year. The global market for the açaí berry is expected to exceed $2 billion by 2026 (McCoy). The only proven claim than can be made about the açaí berry is that its rise in popularity only serves to threaten the lives of families, both adults and children, that are living in the surrounding communities in the Amazon who are responsible for harvesting the berries and are, in turn, routinely exploited for cheap, quick labor. More often than not, these açaí pickers, known as peconheiros, are forced to work in critically dangerous conditions and are paid little to nothing. Peconheiros are regularly exposed to serious injuries including bone fractures, accidental knife wounds, and venomous snake and spider bites. With the açaí trees growing upwards of 50 feet tall and only a braided rope being provided to climb, falls are common– and sometimes fatal. Further, peconheiros have no way of advocating for themselves in the event that they do become injured in the forest. No laws or regulations exist that protect the safety and wellness of the peconheiros. by Roberto Vindel, Pauline Le, and Max Kwon #Açaí
16. Carob: From Pod to Pantry Ceratonia siliqua, commonly known as carob, St. John’s Bread, and locust bean, is a flowering deciduous tree in the legume family that produces large seed pods with a wide range of commercial uses. Carob has existed long before the start of agriculture, with origins across the Mediterranean basin dating back to the Paleolithic age. Recent phylogenetic data suggests domestication of carob occurred through localized selection of wild genotypes, with some long-distance westward dispersal events by the Romans or Arabs. Carob trees are valued ecologically for their low maintenance, high adaptability to poor soil conditions, and drought resistance, with some even living for 100 years or more. They feature thick, dark green and broad foliage, thus ornamental trees can be found throughout California, Australia, and other parts of the world with Mediterranean climate. However the main attraction of Ceratonia siliqua is its brown, leathery pod. The carob pod can be split into two main components: the pulp and the seeds. The naturally sweet pulp has a sugar composition of up to 48-56%, though it also contains cyclitols, fiber, and polyphenols such as tannins. Carob pulp is a nutritionally significant source of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The seeds contain a galactomannan gum also known as carob bean gum (CBG) or locust bean gum (LBG) used as a thickening agent in many food products. Carob pods are associated with the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer. In the past few decades carob has been marketed simply as a healthier chocolate alternative, but its rich history, health benefits, and potential applications in areas affected by climate change should allow it to stand on its own as a staple in the pantry and beyond. By: Chloe Fuson and Skylar Yee #Carob
17. The Wonder Berry : Phyllanthus emblica Known for being rich in both nutrition and history, the amla berry or as Carl Linneaus named it in 1753, Phyllanthus emblica, can be classified as India’s “Wonder Berry.” Originally believed to come from the semi-arid areas and plains of Northern India, the plant is native to Asia's tropic south-eastern regions such as Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Such regions provide conditions like mixed forests and elevations, that the plant cannot live without. However, with the fruit’s beneficial properties being so popular, countries all over the world cultivate the amla berry with India well beyond 100,000 acres of amla development. The amla berry’s influence has even reached as far as the United States where seed distribution first began in the early 1900s. It is said that the Indian god Brahma’s tears germinated the first seeds. In fact, the origin of the fruit’s usage can be traced hundreds of years ago where it was and still used today as a healing remedy. This fruit has been used to cure fevers, joint inflammations, and constipation for hundreds of years. Even recent research has suggested that the antiviral and antibacterial properties of the amla berry may be able to prevent cancer, diabetes, and excessive cholesterol. Despite only being the size of a golf ball, the amla berry is very high in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, and calcium. In contrast to the size, these berries grow on trees that can reach heights of 12 meters all while surrounded by the beauty of greenish-yellow and pink flowers running across the branchlets. Ultimately, it is safe to say that such a plant is truly a wonder. By Natalie Nartz and Matthew Nguyen #amla
18. Annona cherimola: The most delicious fruit known to man Cherimoya is a fruit from the genus Annona, it is cone shaped, green, leathery skin with a creamy and sweet flesh. The fruit has a sweet taste and it is rich in nutrients and minerals. Due to its creamy textures, it is also called the custard apple. It is believed to be native to the Andes Mountain range in South America but it has been distributed and planted in different areas of the world today. One of the major problems for cherimoya cultivation is inadequate natural pollination since the male and the female structures of each flower do not mature at the same time. Due to its rich mineral content cherimoya is known to have some health benefits including lowering blood pressure. However, cherimoya and other Annona species contain annonacin which is a toxin that can affect the nervous system and the brain. Some studies have suggested that high amounts of consumption of Annona fruits can lead to increased risk of a specific type of Parkinson’s disease that does not respond well to medication. The seeds can be toxic, so when eating the fruit, it is best for the skin and seeds to be discarded. While Cherimoya has lots of health benefits and can be delicious it needs to be eaten in moderation to avoid its negative effects on the nervous system. by Shiva Nia, Kyi Ther Min #Cherimoya
19. M. Citrifolia: A Distinctive Fruit with Exceptional Traits M. citrifolia is a unique, flowering and fruit bearing plant that goes by many names such as the most notable, Tahitian Noni fruit, Indian Mulberry or Great Morinda. It has many deeply rooted cultural histories in many regions of the world because of its experiences in many trade avenues and nutritional and medicinal applications. The plant is most easily identifiable, as some of its names suggest, by the distinctive fruits it grows, a green or white, depending on the ripeness, typically mango sized, that is said to have a strong odor similar to cheese and also has a bitter taste. Although it may not be the most attractive plant in many senses, it has been found to be very useful with almost all parts of the plants, including the roots, leaves, seeds, bark, shoots, being used in various ways, whether it be for wellness, nourishment or trade value. Nowadays it is most often found in regions of Oceania, the areas of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia, due to the favorable conditions of the tropical environments, as well as the agricultural practices of the Pasifika peoples over the past few thousand years. As a consequence of the now main homeland of M. citrifolia being the islands of the Pacific Ocean, discussions of the origination of the plant can sometimes be intricate, although some discourse and evidence can point to a certain continent as the place of emergence. Overall M. citrifolia has been utilized by numerous peoples and communities and continues to be a key element in several of these life ways. By: Megan Chen and Kokonow Kinney #noni
20. Pouteria lucuma: An exploration of historical and modern medical uses of the Andean lucuma fruit Pouteria lucuma is a fruit tree of the family Sapotaceae of the order Ericales native to the Andean Valley of South America. The fruit is commonly used in Peruvian desserts, especially icecream, for its unique flavor, often described as resembling maple, butterscotch, or sweet potato. It was used as a subsistence crop by the native peoples of coastal Chile and Peru as early as 700 BC. The fruit was an important part of fertility rituals of these peoples, as its consumption was thought to promote lactation in new mothers. No studies have been done to that effect, however there has been significant research into other medicinal properties of the fruit. The oil extracted from the seeds and skins of the fruit, which are typically discarded as industrial waste, has high phenolic content and has been shown to aid in wound closure and skin regeneration. These properties have made the fruit of special interest to the skin care industry. By Jasmine White, Quinn Schwabauer, Jin Zhu #lucuma
21. Avocado: New World Nutient Pack The avocado has extensive cultural and anthropogenic ties to human society, with three main cultivars representing the three different domestication and cultivation practices for the crop. The Mexican, Guatemalan and West Indian races (P. americana var. drymifolia, P. americana var. guatemalensis, and P. americana var. americana) are ancestors to more than 30 types of modern avocado cultivars, and have linguistic and historical ties to Mesoamerican cultures that domesticated them at different geographical locations and time periods. Not surprisingly, the different domestication and cultivation practices of the three ancestor cultivars have led to different optimal abiotic conditions for different types of avocados, with Latin America and Africa being the main suppliers for the majority of cultivars that enter the global market. Moreover, all parts of the plants can be used, although the most common part of the plant consumed is the fruit. The leaves and seeds are sometimes used as medicine, and the oil extracted from the fruit can also be used in medicine and cooking. Additionally, the avocado’s high concentration in fiber, folate, antioxidants, potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium per ounce makes this crop a superfood, and is most commonly used as an ingredient for guacamole. Modern society recognizes the importance of avocados, especially considering that we are entering an age where high-caloric foods are readily accessible and easier to purchase than healthy foods. As such, cultivation practices are also shifting from large-scale industrial productions that use heavy pesticides to smallholder farmers who can implement traditional cultivation practices that are more sustainable for the farmers and the ecosystems around these farms. By Amanda Leyel and Hojae Lee #Avocado
22. Camu Camu: The Super Fruit of the Amazon Basin Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh or camu camu, is a tropical shrub-like tree that is best-known by its highly acidic, nutrient-rich berries. The plant has been extremely important for the Yanomamo and Kayapo Indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin, who have harvested them for thousands of years. Wild and domesticated populations alike are harvested by guiding canoes through the branches during the wet season. The camu camu plant grows to be about 4–8 meters tall, and both the leaves and berries are harvested for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Like many other species within the Myrtaceae family, camu camu evolved within the Amazon Basin, and grows along the rocky riverbeds and swamps in Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. There are significant gaps in knowledge in the phylogenetic history of the plant, which creates avenues for future research. In terms of phenology, camu camu plants synchronize their growth cycles according to the flood-levels of these watersheds, producing small bisexual white flowers during periods with low water levels. As the water levels rise, the plant transitions into its fruiting stage, where it produces small, reddish-purple fleshy fruits. The camu camu berries are known for their high vitamin C content, and small amounts of various amino acids and fatty acids. The berries of camu camu have many anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and they are a valuable food source to the birds, mammals, fish, and people living in the Amazon Basin. The growing scientific studies on the plant's medicinal properties have increased demand for the fruit globally. The growth in international markets has led farmers to harvest more camu camu berries, negatively impacting wild populations. By Nicole Phelan and Holland Smith #CamuCamu
23. Wolffia Globosa: The Super Small Superfood Wolffia globosa, which is commonly known as mankai, Asian watermeal, and duckweed, is a species of flowering plant that is currently considered to be the smallest known flowering plant! Wolffia globosa is a genus from the lemnaceae family native to Asia as well as pacific coasting countries. Wolffia grows in groups on the surface of lakes and large bodies of calm water, ponds, and even marshes together with other aquatic plants and life. Due to its rapid growth rate and the relative ease at which it grows on calm bodies of water, Wolffia globosa was traditionally only harvested, and not cultivated by indigenous peoples. Wolffia was initially discovered by William Roxburg, a Scottish botanist and surgeon practicing in parts of India in the late 1780s to early 1800s, in 1832. In 1984, Wayne P. Armstrong, nicknamed “Mr. Wolffia”, became the first individual to discover Wolffia Globosa in California while he was studying duckweeds from a lake nearby his lab near the San Dieguito river (Armstrong, 2021). Wolffia globosa is an extremely versatile plant. Initially, it was used by indigenous peoples as a protein packed vegetable, and it is still being used in traditional Thai cuisine. Due to the extremely fast growth rate of Wolffia globosa, indigenous peoples were also able to repurpose mankai, using it as feed for their livestock. Currently, Wolffia globosa has found itself at the center of superfood trends due to its phenomenal nutritional benefits. Outside of the culinary world, Wolffia globosa can be found at the center of research regarding new biofuels and potential bioremediation strategies to combat pollution. By Akshay Chellappa, Brian Estarella-Murphy, #Mankai
24. Ulluco: Resilience and Preservation Through Time Ullucus tuberosus (ulluco) is a crop grown throughout South America for its starchy tubers and spinach-like leaves. Grown alongside humans for thousands of years, the genetic diversity of ulluco along with indigenous knowledge of the crop has enabled it to survive amidst challenges of Spanish colonial rule. One challenge was competition from introduced European cultivars such as barley and carrots. Another challenge was that Indigenous groups who cultivativated ulluco faced hardships and challenges throughout colonization that echo into modern times. Despite these barriers, Indigenous Andean groups continued cultivating ulluco on smaller scales. This preserved Indigenous agricultural methods, and therefore ulluco biodiversity, still today. Now, ulluco has been proposed as a crop that could help solve diminishing food supplies amidst climate change. By Audrey Hernandez, Justin Haggard #Ulluco
25. From medicine to industry: the multifaceted history of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana Kunth., Sapindaceae) Paullinia cupana, nature’s caffeine tablet, is a climbing shrub with a very deep history within indigenous South American tribes. Known by locals as guaraná, it has an easily recognizable fruit with an eyeball-like structure, giving it the name of “eye of the gods.” The seeds contain the highest concentrations of caffeine of any other plant – about four times the amount found in coffee beans. It was commonly used by the Sateré Maué people to make beverages and used as medicine for bodily discomfort as far back as over 2,000 years ago. Nowadays, despite its popularity, the only country that cultivates guaraná is Brazil, with over 15,000 hectares of land growing it. Its importance to Brazilians has led to the deforestation of parts of the Amazon in order to make room to grow guaraná. In 2006, the cash value of domestic production of guaraná was over $13 billion and has continued to increase due to the growing domestic and international demand. Due to the seed’s high caffeine content and unique flavor, its extract has become a widely used additive in energy drinks. The most recognizable of which is the very popular soda, Guaraná Antarctica, and is the biggest competitor of Coca Cola in Brazil. By Tim Sisneros and Edward Teng.
26. Lorem Ipsum: The Fake Latin Text Substitute Elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim diam quis enim lobortis scelerisque fermentum dui faucibus in ornare quam viverra orci sagittis eu volutpat odio facilisis mauris sit amet massa vitae tortor condimentum lacinia quis vel eros donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in iaculis nunc sed augue lacus viverra vitae congue eu consequat ac felis donec et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum arcu vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed velit dignissim sodales ut eu sem integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu non diam phasellus vestibulum lorem sed risus ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim tortor at auctor urna nunc id cursus metus aliquam eleifend mi in nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget duis at tellus at urna condimentum mattis pellentesque id nibh tortor id aliquet lectus proin nibh nisl condimentum id venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus urna et pharetra pharetra massa massa ultricies mi quis hendrerit dolor magna eget est lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas integer eget aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit turpis cursus in hac habitasse platea dictumst quisque sagittis purus sit amet volutpat consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit tellus. By Lorem Ipsum #lorem #ipsum

Aguaje: Tree of Life

This page has paths:

Contents of this path:

This page has tags:

Contents of this tag:

This page references: