English
Arabic
Basque
Bulgarian
Chinese (Simplified)
French
German
Greek
LatinScientific Name: Stemmadenia Donell-Smithii
Cojones de Caballo is a medicinal plant found in many parts of Mexico and Central America, especially in pastures, forests, and the verge of forests. The name of this plant derives from the shape of the fruit which resembles…horse balls.
Moving on…
The growth of this plant depends on habitat conditions and, if treated fairly, it can grow up to 66 feet in height. Cojones de Caballo are often surrounded by yellow-coloured plants and enfolded in a brown husk that takes up the majority of its weight. On the inside of the fruit, you can find the aril—the outgrowth of the seed.
So, how is this fruit with such a controversial name good for you? Well, it can serve many purposes besides a good laugh. For example:
- As a medicine, Belizeans primarily use Cojones de Caballo to get rid of beef worms, also known as botflies—internal parasites transferred by means of a mosquito. The sap of this plant cuts off the oxygen for the beef
worm and works as an adhesive. When removed, the worm will be stuck to it and eventually die. Eww. - The boiled and strained leaves of this medicinal plant serve as an insecticide. It repels insects from
damaging house and garden plants - Naturally, the fruits and branches of this
specie secrete a thick, white substance that can be made into an uncommon form of latex.
Cojones de Caballo serves as a perfect example of the powers of nature and its various uses.
If you’re interested in finding out more about ‘Horseballs’,
