About Genipa americana L.
Genipa americana L. trees reach up to 30 meters in height and up to 60 cm in diameter at breast height. Their bark is smooth with minor fissures. Leaves are arranged oppositely, shaped obovate or obovate oblong, measuring 10–35 cm long and 6–13 cm wide. The leaves are glossy dark green, with entire margins, an acute or acuminate apex, and an attenuated base. Inflorescences are cymes that grow up to 10 cm long. Flowers range in color from white to yellowish, have a slight fragrance, with a bell-shaped calyx. The corolla is 2–4.5 cm long, trumpet-shaped, and has five or six lobes. Five short stamens are attached to the top of the corolla tube. The fruit is a thick-skinned, edible greyish berry that is 10–12 cm long and 5–9 cm in diameter. Genipa americana is native to tropical forests of the Americas, growing from the Caribbean south to Argentina, at elevations from sea level up to 1200 m. Some sources argue that its original native range is limited to northern South America. Unripe fruits of G. americana produce a liquid that is used as a deep purple dye for tattoos, skin painting, and food, and also acts as an insect repellent. This species is also cultivated for its edible fruits, which are eaten as preserves, or processed into drinks, jelly, or ice cream. Its wood is reported to be resistant, strong, and easy to work with; it is used to make utensils, and for construction and carpentry.
