Vasconcellea stipulata, known also as toronche or jigacho, is a fruit-bearing species in the Vasconcellea genus, Caricaceae family. It is native to Ecuador and Peru.[1]
| Vasconcellea stipulata | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Caricaceae |
| Genus: | Vasconcellea |
| Species: | V. stipulata |
| Binomial name | |
| Vasconcellea stipulata (V.M.Badillo) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Babaco is a natural hybrid of V. stipulata and V. pubescens, although it has been suggested that other species may be involved.[2]
Uses
It is the least commercially exploited species among those of economic importance in Ecuador. Its use is limited to domestic and small-scale cultivation, and its food uses are mainly confections and preserves.[3]