Cha de Bugre
Used as a substitute for coffee for energy

Common Name:  Cha de Bugre
Botanical Name:  Cordi salicfolia
Habitat:  Native to Brazil.

General:   Cha de Bugre is native to the interior areas of Brazil, and a related variety is also found in the tropical forest areas of Paraguay and parts of Argentina.  The tropical tree grows to approximately 8 - 12 meters in height.  It produces small berries which appear similar to coffee beans.

Nutritional Information:  Cha de Bugre is often used as a coffee substitute in Latin American countries.  It contains a small amount of caffeine but has shown to provide sustained energy.  The fruit also contains allantoin, allantoic acid, and potassium.   Studies of this fruit are centered around its reported weight loss and muscle restorative properties.