Brosimum alicastrum

The ojoche is the "Maya nut": a native forest giant that fed the peoples of Mesoamerica. Its roasted seed tastes of nuts with a hint of cacao, boiled it's eaten like potato, and ground it goes into tortilla dough. It grows to over 30 meters, withstands drought and even seasonal flooding, and its yellow fruits feed birds, bats and monkeys.

Native to our region and easy to grow: it prefers fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or light shade, but tolerates poor, shallow and limestone soils. Once established it handles drought well. From seed it starts fruiting at around 5–7 years. Spacing: 5–10 m.

The seed, the size of a small chestnut, is eaten roasted, boiled or ground: it makes a mash, a flour for tortillas and even a coffee-like drink. The thin, sweet flesh of the fruit is edible too.

In Yucatán, eating the seeds is believed to increase breast milk. The latex, diluted and warmed, is traditionally used for dry coughs and an irritated throat.

An emergent climax species: over the years it forms the roof of the system. It gives good shade, breaks strong winds, and its fruit draws wildlife that spreads seeds. Plant it at the start, with room, so it has decades ahead of it.