Common Name: Mexican Kidneywood

General Information

Eysenhardtia polystachya is a much-branched, deciduous shrub or small tree usually growing 1.5 - 5 metres tall, occasionally reaching 7 metres. The bole can be up to 25cm in diameter[, ].
This species has long been highly valued in Mexico for the medicinal properties of its wood, to which is ascribed an almost miraculous ability to cure kidney and bladder ailments[]. It has at times been exported in quantity to destinations such as Europe and the USA. The plant is also harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood.
Eysenhardtia polystachya is widespread in its natural range, no major threats to the species are known at present and the population is believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern N. America - central and southern Mexico

Habitat

Grasslands, dry, open forest, spiny forest, deciduous forests; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Eysenhardtia polystachya is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico, growing in regions where the mean annual rainfall can range from 250 - 1,750mm.
Prefers a position in full sun, tolerating light shade.
The plant is very tolerant of being cut back, sprouting freely from old wood[].
The wood has a very interesting property of flourescence. When soaked in slightly alkaline spring water, it imparts a blue colour to the water when it is viewed against a dark background. In the light this changes to a yellow to orange-gold colour and different hues can be obtained when it is viewed against other backgrounds[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - the whole inflorescence is eaten cooked[].

Medicinal

Eysenhardtia polystachya is commonly used in traditional medicine in Mexico, where in particular it is seen as an excellent medicine for the kidneys and bladder. It is also used as a blood purifier, antitussive, antispasmodic, antidiabetic, febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and analgesic agent[].
A decoction of the bark is held to be an excellent medicine for the kidneys and bladder. It is used to treat a wide range of urinary disorders[, , ]. Regular consumption has been shown to prevent the formation of kidney stones[]

The plant has been shown to have a hypoglycaemic activity[].
A methanol extract of the leaves contains flavonoids, terpenoids, carbon-carbon double bonds and phenolic compounds. The extract has shown broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, being effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria[].
An ethanol extract of the bark has been shown to have an effective antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activity and that the extract is not orally toxic[].
A methanol extract of the bark has been shown to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic activities[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has merit for use in erosion control projects[].
The flowers are a good source of nectar and are relished by bees[].

Other Uses

A yellowish-brown dye is obtained from the wood. It is used to colour textiles[, ].

The bark is a source of tannins[].

The heartwood is reddish-brown, streaked with black, The texture is rather fine, the grain moderately straight, texture is waxy. The wood is hard, heavy and durable, it takes a fine polish and finishes smoothly. Of rather good quality, but seldom available and then usually only in small pieces. It is used for making small items, particularly cups and other water containers, where it is believed to impart medicinal virtues to the water[].

Propagation

Seed -

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