This species is closely related to Diphysa floribunda, differing in little except pubescence, and it is questionable whether the two are really distinct[].

Common Name:

General Information

Diphysa americana varies in habit from a deciduous shrub to a small tree growing from 3 - 10 metres tall, with occasional specimens reaching heights in excess of 23 metres[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its wood and the plant is also sometimes grown as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Central America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitat

Moist or dry forest, often on open brushy hillsides or in rocky places, at elevations of 600 - 2,500 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The yellow flowers become mucilaginous when they are steamed. They are often added to bean dishes or are eaten with tortillas[].

Medicinal

The plant is used to some extent in domestic medicine, although there is no reason for believing that it has any important medicinal properties[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Planted as living fence for protection against domestic animals and for providing green manure[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the wood[]. It is extracted from the wood and flowers[].

The wood is prized for making furniture and other specialty uses[]. It is used for making tobacco pipes[].

Propagation

Seed -

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