Galería Dendrológica Virtual de Costa Rica
GDV-010 · Moraceae

Brosimum alicastrum

Brosimum alicastrum

Ojoche juvenil (Brosimum alicastrum)
Common name
Ojoche juvenil
Scientific name
Brosimum alicastrum
Genus
Brosimum
Family
Moraceae
Origin in Costa Rica
Native
Location
Chachagua, San Ramón, Alajuela
Coordinates
≈ 10.3969, -84.59708
Approximate trunk diameter
≈ 55 cm
Approximate height
≈ 13 m
Record date
2026-09-29
Global conservation · IUCN
Least Concern · LC

Natural history

Brosimum alicastrum, known here as ojoche, is a native member of Moraceae. A small round fruit contains the seed used as food; leaves and crown connect the tree to animals in tropical forests.

The food history of this seed is real and complex. Maya communities today retain knowledge of its uses, while archaeologists debate its importance across different places and periods. A label such as “Maya superfood” flattens a relationship that deserves a closer reading.

The young Chachagua ojoche shows leaves, branching and associated plants in its crown. From the fruit observation, this article follows the seed into kitchens, history and decisions about conserving forests.

Read more

Ojoche: the seed that holds a food memory →

Botanical sources

  1. Kew · Plants of the World Online
  2. World Agroforestry · Brosimum alicastrum
  3. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica · Plantas de Gandoca-Manzanillo y Sixaola
  4. World Flora Online · UICN