Edible Plants of the World

Food candle tree

A tropical plant. It grows in the humid lowlands. It is native to Central America. It needs a frost free site. It needs reasonable drainage. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 750 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 11-12. In Rockhampton Botanical gardens.

Also known as:

Bananinha, Chote, Cow okra, Cuachilote, Cuajilote, Cucumber tree, Guachilote, Panama candle tree, Pepino de arbol, Yellowtaper candletree

Synonyms

Edible Portion

Where does Food candle tree grow?

Found in: Asia, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, Hispaniola, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Panama, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, St Lucia, United States, Venezuela, West Indies

Notes: There are 9 Parmentiera species. They are trees from tropical America.

Status: They are a staple food in some Central American countries.

Growing Food candle tree

Cultivation: Plants grow easily from seed. They can also be grown by cuttings.

Edible Uses: The ripe fruit are eaten raw, cooked by boiling or roasted, and preserved or pickled. They are chewed like sugarcane.

Production: Trees fruit in about 5 years. It flowers all year round.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
Fruit 44 1.4 3.2 10 5 - 87.6

References

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