Jagua

Other names: Marmalade Box, Genipap

Botanical name: Genipa americana (Rubiaceae)

Jagua grows in the rainforests of Tropical America. This wonderful fruit tree utilized by the Indians is also a useful medicinal tree. Jagua grows slowly, approximately half a meter a year and can reach 25 m (82 ft) in height. The trunk diameter can reach 50 cm (1.6 ft). The wood is hard and heavy. Being light coffee-coloured with purple lines, it’s used to make beautiful furniture.

THE CHARMING FLOWERS AND DELICIOUS FRUITS

Jagua blooms and bears fruit from May to October, but the fruits stay on the tree throughout the year. Jagua starts giving fruits at the age of six and the beautiful, yellow and fragrant flowers shine under the bright green leaves. The oval-shaped, 4-11 cm (1.5-4 inch) long fruits are a special treat for monkeys, rabbits and other small animals. The Indians gather fruit as well, both eating them fresh and making drinks out of them. The sweet fruits can also be made into tasty jam, ice cream and excellent wine. The fruits include vitamin B, iron, phosphorus, calcium and antibacterial elements. Natural antibiotics have also been found in the fruits.

TATTOOING AND COLOURING

The jungle Indians have traditionally used the fruit to paint their skins – and still do. When reacting with air, the raw yellowish fruit flesh changes to a beautiful, dark blue color. The Indians use the color to make tattoos resembling skin paintings, lasting over two weeks on the skin. The juice of raw fruits can also be utilized to apply the beautiful bluish-purple color to clothes, baskets, pottery, food, cosmetics and… even your hair.

The Indians add the juice of a ripe fruit to hot water and use the potion to treat bronchitis. The fruit is also utilized to disinfect and heal wounds. Eating the fruit also helps alleviate urine infection and rheumatism. Tea made from leaves and flowers reduces fever, and the flowers are also used to make aromatic oil.