Barca, Milk Tree, Couba, Sorva, Sorva grande

Couma macrocarpa

Physical Characteristics

Couma macrocarpa is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana; C. America - Panama to Guatemala.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Sap Edible Uses: Drink Gum Milk Tea When the bark is cut or broken, there issues from it a rich creamy latex that is sweet and palatable[ 331 , 625 ]. It is not very sticky and may be drunk like cow's milk[ 331 ]. A latex obtained from the trunk can be used to make chewing gum[ 46 ]. Fruit - raw[ 625 ]. The succulent pulp is sweet and extremely glutinous[ 625 ]. It contains latex[ 625 ]. The globose, yellow-green fruit is about 6cm in diameter, containing a few seeds[ 625 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a beverage[ 331 ].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery A latex in the stems can be used in the treatment of amoebiasis, including amoebic dysentery[ 739 ].

Known Hazards

Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction