Hedyosmum mexicanum Cordem. ex Baill.

Taxonomic Identity

Hedyosmum mexicanum Cordem. ex Baill. is a variable dioecious plant with adventitious roots and brittle twigs.

Growth Form and Size

It typically blooms as a shrub around 2 meters tall, and reaches a full tree height of 8 to 12 meters or more.

Leaf Structure

It has opposite leaves with fused petioles.

Male Reproductive Morphology

Male plants have a subsessile stamen paired with a bilocular anther, with a short appendix at the apex.

Female Flower Structure

Female flowers are arranged in panicles, have a trilobal perianth, and bear a unilocular, inferior ovary.

The style is typically very small or absent.

Species Distribution

This species is found in northern Colombia in South America, and is abundant from Mexico to Panama.

Habitat and Elevation Range

It grows in wet mountain forests and pine forests, occurring in high moist tropical areas at elevations between 1,100 and 2,900 meters.

Flowering and Fruiting Period

It flowers and bears fruit year-round, with peak fruit production falling between January and May.

Fruit Characteristics

Its fruits are drupes that are edible with a sweet flavor.

When mature, they range in color from bright green to yellowish or white, measure 2–3 cm long and 2 cm thick, and contain brown or black seeds.

Human Use: Lumber

Hedyosmum mexicanum is a good source of lumber.

Human Use: Leaf Preparation

Its leaves are used by some people to make tea that is used as a coffee replacement.