Bomarea edulis (7'uss.) Herb.: Coyolxéchitl. 
This is probably the species of Bomarea which the 
Mexicans cultivated for the edible, tuberous roots and 
as an ornamental (93, 201). B. edulis is apparently a 
variable species with a wide natural range in Mexico and 
Central and South America. The Mexican members of 
this largely South American genus are not well under- 
stood. (14, 98, 162, 201*) 
Bromelia: see under Ananas. 
Brosimum Alicastrum Swartz: Ox, ramon. 
Lundell (118) believes this to have been an important 
tree cultivated by the Mayas. The pulp of the fruit is 
sweet and edible, and the seed is eaten boiled or roasted 
or may be dried and ground into a flour. It is said to be 
quite palatable and nutritious. The ram6én, now impor- 
tant as a source of forage, is abundant about ruins in 
Yucatan, implying former cultivation. The species is 
widespread and probably native from northwestern Mex- 
ico into Central America. (113*, 191*, 192) 
Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) DC.: Nantzinaécotl, 
nance, nanche. 
This shrub or small tree is of great importance in some 
areas. It appears to be the most important fruit of south- 
ern Veracruz and the Yucatan Peninsula during the 
summer months. The fruit, about the size of a large 
cherry, has a strange and at first unpleasant flavor, but is 
universally popular. The species appears to be native in 
savanna areas in Veracruz and Campeche and_ probably 
elsewhere. When natural groves occur near homes or 
villages, they are preserved and the fruit gathered for 
market and home consumption. (17, 1383, 177, 191, 194) 
Calocarpum mammosum (L.) Pierre (Pouteria 
mammosa (I..) Cronquist): Tezonzdpotl, sapote, mamey 
sapote, mamey colorado. 
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