Cow Tree, Palo De Vaca

Brosimum utile

Physical Characteristics

Brosimum utile is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Amazon basin to Ecuador, north through Colombia and Venezuela to Costa Rica.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Sap Seed Edible Uses: Drink Milk A nutritious, milky sap, or latex, flows out of incisions made in the bark[307 ]. The nourishing white liquid, which is slightly viscous and resinous, is consumed like milk[307 , 317 ]. The sap is also said to taste like cream when fresh and is sometimes used to lighten coffee. It can also be used to create a 'cheese' that is made from the thread-like curds that form on the surface of the liquid when it is exposed to the air[307 ]. The latex has been used as a base for chewing gum[46 ]. The fleshy fruit with the nutritious seeds are eaten boiled and salted[317 ].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antitussive The latex is used as an analgesic and is drunk as a medication for colds and whooping cough[348 ].

Known Hazards

None known