Wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) is an abundant understory shrub at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) and in hammocks throughout Indian River County. Its ellipsoid fruits resemble the fruits of “real” coffee (Coffea arabica). Both plants belong to the madder family, Rubiaceae.
The one-seeded ellipsoid berries are dark burgundy when ripe …
Yes, you can brew a drink from dry-roasted seeds that tastes vile and can cause bad headaches. It will not contain caffeine, though.
The fruits ripen in the late summer or fall …
The fruits are edible but not especially tasty. Bland, musty and slightly sweet are common descriptions of the taste.
Birds and small mammals eat — and spread — the fruits.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 