Genipa americana, commonly known as Genip Tree or Jagua, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to the understory of tropical rainforests and occasionally found in riparian zones in Central and South America, from southern Mexico through the Amazon basin to northern Argentina, including the Caribbean. It typically reaches heights of up to 98 feet (30 meters) with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). The Genip Tree has a dense, rounded crown with smooth, gray, fissured bark and large, glossy, dark green leaves. It blooms with showy clusters of white to yellowish, fragrant flowers, followed by the production of large, thick-skinned, greyish berries that are edible when ripe.

The Genip Tree is valued for its multiple uses in cultivation, including the production of fruit for consumption in various forms such as preserves, drinks, and ice cream. The unripe fruit contains a liquid that is traditionally used as a dye for body art and as an insect repellent. The strong wood is utilized for making utensils and in construction. In landscaping, it serves as a shade tree or ornamental specimen due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It prefers a humid, tropical climate with consistent moisture, well-drained soil, and partial to full sun exposure. While it is not commonly grown in home gardens due to its large size, it is an important species in reforestation projects and ecological restoration efforts. Potential problems include susceptibility to pests and diseases typical of tropical fruit trees, such as fruit flies and fungal infections.CC BY-SA 4.0