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29. Aceituno 



Simaruba glauca 



This fruit is commonly eaten raw where the trees are plentiful 

 but it is not sold in the markets. The small or medium-size 

 tree grows at low elevations under cultivation from Mexico to 

 northern South America. The firm meat of the fruit is white, 

 juicy, and rather sweet, but flavorless. When in bloom the 

 tree has small red flowers. The ripe fruits are almost black and 

 resemble an olive or small plum in size and shape. They are 

 often called Spanish olive. Other names for the plant are 

 bitterwood and bitter damson in Jamaica; olivo, jucumico and 

 negrito in Central America; and gavilan in Cuba. 



