Botanical Registry
Huito
Common Name: Genipa americana — Huito (Jagua, Genipapo)
Overview
Huito produces a distinctive black dye from its fruit, used for centuries in traditional body art across the Amazon. The designs painted with Huito dye carry both aesthetic and spiritual significance.
Role in Dieta
In the context of a dieta, this dye is used to paint the dieter's body to signify their commitment and to communicate their status to the community and the plant spirits. The markings serve as both a form of protection and a visible declaration of the covenant between the dieter and the plant.
Botanical Notes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Genipa americana |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Tradition | Shipibo-Conibo, Broader Amazonian |
| Profile Status | Summary — expanded profile in progress |