Common Name:

General Information

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon is an evergreen tree growing from 12 - 30 metres or more tall in Guatemala, though smaller in Mexico. The bole, which often branches from low down, is often 1 - 2 metres in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of medicines, fibre and packing material. The plant has a very unusual flower, which seems to have a hand with five long, clawed fingers projecting from it[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Guatemala, southern Mexico.

Habitat

Wet, mixed forest high on the mountains; often growing also in fields from which forest has been cleared, and probably planted in some rural regions; at elevations from 2,000 - 3,000 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[].
Trees can be coppiced[].
Plants can flower almost all year round[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the flowers is said to be used to treat chronic ulcers, ophthalmia, and haemorrhoids[]. It is more likely that the copious, rather thick nectar that collects in the calyces is used[].

Other Uses

The soft, flexible leaves are used to cover or wrap food in local markets[].

A fibre obtained from the bark is used locally to make cloth[].

Propagation

Seed -

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