Morrenia odorata (asclepiadaceae), an edible plant of the gran chaco

Abstract

The liana Morrenia odorata is a widespread plant of the South American Gran Chaco, where both indigenous and non-indigenous groups use it as a food for much of the year. The fruit is the plant part most commonly eaten but, with the exception of the roots, all the other organs are consumed, though the different ethnic groups vary in their preferences. The resource is prepared in various ways: either raw, in salads, boiled, or roasted. Non-indigenous settlers use only the fruit and seeds, with which they prepare several dishes, in-cluding “docajam,” a regional dessert made with the fruit. The indigenous population considers it to be a very wholesome food and, despite the loss of many elements of their traditional diet, this plant continues to be highly valued. Although it is a wild plant, it is protected and even cultivated by several ethnic groups.