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Abelmoschus esculentus (L - the University of Maine at Fort Kent

Abelmoschus esculentus (L - the University of Maine at Fort Kent

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Kerm<strong>at</strong>h, Bennett and Pulsipher - Food Plants in <strong>the</strong> Americs<br />

USES/NOTES: Leaves occasionally are e<strong>at</strong>en like spinach (Spinacia<br />

oleracea), though <strong>the</strong>y have irrit<strong>at</strong>ing hairs th<strong>at</strong> persist until<br />

cooked. Also medicinal. Previously an important quielite (green<br />

leafy vegetable) for <strong>the</strong> Maya.<br />

NATURAL RANGE: Tropical to subtropical America, probably Central<br />

America, north through Mexico, possibly into Texas<br />

REFERENCES: Coe 1994, Leung 1961, Martin and Ruberté 1978b, Martin<br />

and Ruberté 1979, NRC 1975, Price 1991, Uph<strong>of</strong> 1968, Usher 1974<br />

Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh<br />

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae (spurge)<br />

ENGLISH: chaya, Mayan spinach, tree spinach<br />

PORTUGUESE: cansancao, favela<br />

SPANISH: chaaya, chay, chaya, chayamansa<br />

USES/NOTES: Large, palm<strong>at</strong>e, dark green, sometimes bitter leaves and<br />

young shoots, rich in protein, carotene, calcium, and iron, are<br />

e<strong>at</strong>en boiled like spinach (Spinacia oleracea), sometimes flavored<br />

with citrus juice in <strong>the</strong> Yuc<strong>at</strong>án. Leaves have fine, somewh<strong>at</strong><br />

irrit<strong>at</strong>ing hairs th<strong>at</strong> become imperceptible when boiled. Fast<br />

growing herbaceous plant adapts to a wide range <strong>of</strong> habit<strong>at</strong>s, but<br />

is not cold hardy. Also used as an animal feed and a medicinal.<br />

NATURAL RANGE: Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Mexico to adjacent Central America<br />

REFERENCES: Kerm<strong>at</strong>h (notes), León 1987, Martin and Ruberté 1978b,<br />

Martin and Ruberté 1979, Niembro Rocas 1992, NRC 1975, Price<br />

1990, Ross-Ibarra and Molina-Cruz 2002, Ruberté 1984<br />

Cnidoscolus multilobus (Pax) I.M. Johnston<br />

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae (spurge)<br />

ENGLISH: spurge nettle, tread-s<strong>of</strong>tly<br />

SPANISH: ‘ak, ay uätiktäua, chaya, chaya silvestre, chichicastle,<br />

hortiga, mala mujer, popo<br />

USES/NOTES: Flowers are e<strong>at</strong>en fried with eggs and young shoots are<br />

cooked as greens.<br />

NATURAL RANGE: Central America and Mexico<br />

REFERENCES: Alcorn 1984, Breedlove 1986, MBG n.d.<br />

Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Müll. Arg.) Pax & L. H<strong>of</strong>fm. [syn.<br />

J<strong>at</strong>ropha phyllacantha Müell. Arg.]<br />

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae (spurge)<br />

ENGLISH: faveleira nut<br />

PORTUGUESE: favela, faveleira, faveleiro<br />

USES/NOTES: Seeds are an edible oil source.<br />

NATURAL RANGE: Brazil<br />

REFERENCES: Daun et al. 1987, IBGE 1980, Lima 1996<br />

Cnidoscolus texanus (Müell. Arg.) Small<br />

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae (spurge)<br />

ENGLISH: bull nettle<br />

SPANISH: mala mujer<br />

USES/NOTES: Seeds are edible.<br />

DRAFT - DO NOT DUPLICATE OR DISTRIBUTE<br />

214

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