Brosimum alicastrum. Breadnut tree, Ojoche,
The breadnut tree is a fast-growing evergreen deciduous tree that reaches growth heights of up to 30 meters or more. Trunk diameter can exceed 1 meter. It yields cereal-like seeds that are used similarly to those of the Okwa tree. The flavor is said to be similar to that of the sweet chestnut. Before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, the breadnut tree was one of the most important crops of the Maya. The seeds were ground into flour and made into tortillas.
The breadnut tree can produce ten times as much protein as corn in one hectare of land, and its seeds are rich in minerals and vitamins. Compared with corn, rice and wheat, the breadnut is far ahead in protein content, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, folic acid and iron. The tree is also important for livestock as a fodder crop.
The main medical use is in the treatment of respiratory diseases, especially asthma; but also used in gynecological problems such as infertility, in lactation and to regulate menstruation. In these cases, an infusion is prepared with the bark and administered orally. Women who can not breastfeed their children or produce little milk, take an infusion of maximum 2 leaves as a tea.
