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Genipap (Genipa americana)

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description Genipap (Genipa americana) Overview

Genipap, Genipa americana, is a tropical American tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It produces a large fruit whose juice or pulp can darken to a blue-black color after exposure to air, a property used traditionally as a natural dye and body paint in parts of tropical South America. The fruit is also used in regional food and beverage preparations, while the species remains important in botanical and ethnobotanical studies of useful plants from the American tropics.

help Genipap (Genipa americana) FAQ

What is genipap?

Genipap is the fruit of Genipa americana, a tropical American tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. The fruit is known for the way its juice can darken after exposure to air.

Why does genipap juice turn blue-black?

The juice or pulp can darken to a blue-black color when exposed to air. This property has supported traditional use as a natural dye and body paint in parts of tropical South America.

Is Genipa americana related to coffee plants?

Yes. Genipa americana belongs to Rubiaceae, the same botanical family that includes coffee. It is a tree, however, and its best-known feature is its dye-producing fruit.

Where is genipap traditionally used as a dye?

Genipap is native to tropical America and has traditional dye and body-paint uses in parts of tropical South America. The color develops as the fruit material reacts with air.

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