Genipa americana aka Genip

Genipa americana is a tropical tree in the Rubiaceae family. Common names include genipap, jagua, and marmalade box. Its native range runs from southern Mexico through tropical America. This includes the Caribbean and much of South America. It grows in damp floodplain forests and moist coastal limestone woods. People grow it for fruit, shade, and its looks. They also gather fruit from wild trees.

The tree reaches about 66 feet [20 metres] in height. Some trees reach 98 feet [30 metres]. Its dense crown spreads out above a straight trunk. The trunk measures about 1–2.6 feet [0.3–0.8 metres] across. The tree keeps its leaves in moist conditions. During long dry spells, it can shed them for a time. Growth is moderate, though young seedlings start slowly. Large flowers add to its value as an ornamental tree. Bees pollinate the flowers.

The oval fruit has a tough skin and sour, purple flesh. It measures about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.09–0.15 metres] long. Its width can reach 0.26 feet [0.08 metres]. The fruit needs to soften before people eat it. Very ripe fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Its scented pulp also goes into juice, marmalade, and preserves. Cooking the pulp with sugar makes syrup for drinks and desserts. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. That report does not establish safety for every use.

This tree suits warm, moist conditions in the lowland tropics. It grows best with daytime temperatures of 24–31°C. It prefers rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. Full sun or partial shade suits it. Established trees can endure dry spells lasting up to six months. Young plants are more sensitive to drought. Cold limits where gardeners can grow it outdoors. Temperatures near −1°C can badly harm new growth. Temperatures of −3°C or lower can kill mature trees.

The unripe fruit yields juice that stains skin blue-black. Indigenous people have long used it for body paint. The stain can last for 15–20 days. Bark supplies tannins and fibre for coarse cloth. The tree also provides useful timber. Traditional remedies use its fruit and bark for several ailments. These include digestive complaints, colds, and skin sores. Such recorded uses do not establish that treatments work. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases.