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serendipity berry
Scientific Name: Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii
Family: Menispermaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Serendipity Berry (Dioscoreophyllum spp.)
The "Serendipity Berry" commonly refers to the fruit of plants within the genus Dioscoreophyllum, particularly Dioscoreophyllum volkensii and Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii. These plants are known for producing berries with an intensely sweet taste.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dioscoreophyllum volkensii, Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii
- Common Name: Serendipity Berry, Nigerian Berry
- Family: Menispermaceae (for Dioscoreophyllum volkensii)
Considerations for Pets
- The plant produces berries.
- Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii is a perennial climbing plant with stems up to 1.8 meters long growing from tubers around 2cm in diameter.
Distribution and Habitat
Dioscoreophyllum volkensii is native throughout most of tropical Africa. Both Dioscoreophyllum volkensii and Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii are found in West African rainforests and semi-deciduous forests, with Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii specifically noted as being found in Nigeria.
Morphological Characteristics
- Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii is a perennial climbing plant with stems up to 1.8 meters long, growing from tubers approximately 2cm in diameter.
- The berries are reddish and long.
Quirky Facts
- The sweetness of the Serendipity Berry is due to a protein called monellin, which is approximately 1,500 times sweeter than sugar.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The berries are consumed by humans due to their sweet taste.
Further Information
- Additional information may be available at www.ajol.info and www.bioline.org.br/ja.