The entries from 'Brazilian Trees Vol. 1'[] and 'Medicinal Plants of Brazil'[], in this record were listed under Drimys winteri J.R.Forst. & G. Forst. However, Drimys winteri is not native to Brazil (the range given in the books). Drimys winteri is restricted to Chile and Argentina and I am fairly certain that the Drimys winteri of Brasil is actually Drimys brasiliensis Miers[].

Common Name:

General Information

Drimys brasiliensis is an evergreen shrub or tree with a small, dense crown; it can grow from 2 - 8 metres tall. The short, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[]. The plant is usually only a shrub in the northern, tropical part of its range, becoming taller and more tree-like in the southern, more sub-tropical areas[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of timber.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Rainforests, dryland forests and savannah, usually at higher elevations in the north of its range[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[].
A slow-growing plant, it barely reaches a height of 1.5 metres after 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The aromatic bark is antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, stomachic and tonic[]. It can be used to treat intestinal colic and various other digestive disorders and chronic catarrh. It is also used as a tonic to invigorate a person during convalescence after illness[].

Other Uses

The wood is moderately heavy, fragrant, compact, of low durability when exposed. Easy to work with, it can be used for internal works, boxes, carpentry etc[].
The wood can be used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within a few weeks[]. When the seedlings are 2 - 3cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 10 - 12 months later[].
The seed has a viability of a few months in storage[]

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