Chaura

A leafy perennial bush from the Gautheria genus, chaura or murtillo is distinguished by long lance-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers that typically bloom between September and December. Coming in white, pink, or purple color, the edible spherical fruits that the plant bears in the period between December and February have yellow seeds and a very pleasant flavor.

Thriving in humid woods and flooded areas throughout Argentina and certain parts of Chile, different species of this plant have once been a staple of the indigenous Tehuelche people who enjoyed the plant’s fruits in their fresh form. Chaura fruits are traditionally gathered from the wild for personal consumption, and they’re not commercially available.

The survival of this traditional plant’s consumption is, sadly, threatened by the local population’s increasing lack of familiarity with the plant and its traditional culinary uses.