Tropical Plant "Castanha-de-cipo"
Dicella nucifera

Characteristics - Dicella nucifera is not a in nature in its natural habitat, the high altitude forests and cleared areas (capoeiras) of southern Brazil. It is a twinning vine, evergreen and vigorous, that reaches the crowns of the tallest trees. Leaves are simple, chartaceous, pubescent of the inferior surface, 5-10 cm long. Inflorescences on simple asillary racemes, with few androgynous flowers whose color is initially red, later turning to yellow, form from August – November. The fruits ripen from February – April. They are oblong or globose with their surface covered in hairs (hispid) that come off easily on contact and can cause skin irritations. They contain 2-4 pleasant, slightly sweet tasting seeds (nuts).

Uses - The nuts are consumed in their natural state or roasted and widely enjoyed.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.