RE: Carissa macrocarpa (aka Natal Plum) & Chufi

According to Cornucopia by Stephen Facciola, chufa is Cyperus esculenta.  It is consumed in a number of ways.  "In Valencia, Spain, a refreshing beverage called horchata de chufa is prepared by mixing the ground tubers with water, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and ice."
 
Joan DeFato
 
-----Original Message-----
From: MARK BRENT [mailto:MARK@mbrent.fsnet.co.uk]
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2001 2:41 PM
To: medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
Subject: Carissa macrocarpa (aka Natal Plum) & Chufi

Dear All,
 
I've recently been handed another plant of Carissa macrocarpa to supplement the one we have already which, alas, is looking none too cheerful after the winter deluge. I do know this particulular plant is probably right on the edge of our known limits as regards its climatical requirements, although it has flowered & grown well here for the last couple of years. What I'm more keen to know is its soil requirements to help improve the odds of its possible longer term prospects. From what I gather it is cultivated commercially in California as well as being an ornamental commonly found in the mediterranean region whence my plant came (Menorca to be precise). Any information will be much appreciated.
 
Furthermore to recent discussions about  the distilation of various drinks (loquat etc) from plants in the mediterranean region I'm keen to know more about a drink I was given called 'Chufi' a milky liquid derived from a type of  Cyperus root so I believe. Certainly the stuff goes under the "aquired taste" category but I'm interested to know if anyones tried cultivating the plant responsible further-a-field.
 
The other medit' orientated plants have started to gather steam here, Hibbertia aspera and Metrosideros carminea are starting to blossom well and the Embothriums are looking particularly stunning - a welcome sight after the gloom of the last few months.
 
with kind regards,
 
Mark Brent c/o Lamorran House Gardens, St. Mawes, Cornwall, England. 
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