Strangler Vine

This plant (Morrenia odorata) goes by many names, and is commonly called doca in northwest Argentina and tasi or tase in the northeast. It is a climbing perennial vine that produces a fruit resembling a type of squash, bright green and pear shaped. Fruits are smooth, 8 – 14 cm long and filled with many dark brown seeds. The flowers are also noted for their delicate, vanilla-like perfume. In northern Argentina, four varieties of edible doca are known. Fruits contain high amounts of calcium, iron and magnesium and replace globally commercialized fruits in the diets of people who do not have access for transportation or economic reasons to urban centers and supermarkets.   Small fruits with tender seeds can be eaten raw. They have sweet and pleasant taste. The ripe fruit can be prepared in stew, boiled or stuffed. Among the Toba, Wichí and other ethnic groups in the North and Northeast Argentina, there are several recipes that include fresh raw fruit, sweets, concentrates, sauces and roasted or fried fruit. It is also prepared grilled or baked. The latter are typical preparations of the indigenous populations and Chaqueños Creoles. Very young leaves are also consumed, harvested when the plant is fruitless. They can be boiled, ground or fried with eggs. Also, once boiled the tender flowers are edible: they are prepared in soups and salads. The ancient inhabitants of the area stored the doca dried to prevent fermentation.   Doca is not commercialized in Argentina, and although the plant is widespread in the wild, the Argentine Chaco habitat is being permanently altered and degraded by logging of the forests (montes), which has brought a decline in food availability. Doca consumption is at risk due to the continuing decline in food resources and loss of cultural patterns that support nutrition in this region. Currently, use of doca as a food source is not widespread.