Common Name:

General Information

Humiria balsamifera is usually an evergreen tree with a heavy, rounded crown; it can grow from 25 - 36 metres tall, though it is sometimes only shrub-like when growing away from its preferred habitats[]. The long, cylindrical bole is free of buttresses; it can be unbranched for up to 20 metres and 50 - 70cm, occasionally up to 120cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a local source of fruit, medicines and timber. The tree is also extensively exploited in the wild for its timber[]. It is sometimes cultivated within its native range as a fruit tree, and the fruits are regularly sold in the local markets[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern S. America - northern Brazil, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

In Guyana it is a principal dominant species in the marsh forests, where it does best on light sandy soils[]. In Surinam it occurs in lowland savannah forests[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a light, sandy soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. It is used to make an alcoholic beverage[].

Medicinal

The tannin-rich bark is used in a decoction to reduce toothache, and is combined with species of Hymenaea and Maniklara to cure dysentery[]. An infusion of the bark is used to remedy amoebic dysentery, coughs and smallpox, whilst a decoction is used to treat throat disease and to heal chronic sores[, ].
The bark is macerated in water and applied onto erysipelas[].

A balsamic oleoresin obtained from the tree is used as a taenicide and to treat blennorrhagia[].

The warmed oil is applied as a liniment on inflamed joints[].

The active antidysenteric principle in the plant is the polyphenol bergenine[].

Other Uses

A red, balsamic oleoresin called 'baume-resine Houmouri' is obtained from the tree[]. The balsam is produced mainly by older trees, probably as a consequence of bacterial diseases[]. It has medicinal uses[].
The plant contains the substance isolongifolenone. Derivatives of this have been widely used as fragrances in
cosmetics, perfumes, space sprays, detergents, deodorants, fabrics, fibres, and paper products[]. Modern research has shown that isolongifolenone is a very effective repellent of mosquitoes and ticks, work is currently taking place to make it commercially available[]
When attacked by a certain fungus, the bark emits a pleasing perfume[]. It is used by local people as a scent for hair oil[].

The heartwood varies from light brown to reddish brown; it is poorly demarcated from the 4 - 5cm wide band of light brown sapwood. The texture is medium; grain straight to slightly interlocked; lustre medium; without distinctive odour or taste. The wood is heavy, hard, compact and very durable, even in adverse conditions. All species of Humiria have a reputation of being highly durable. Pure culture tests rate the wood very durable when exposed to white-rot fungus but durable to moderately durable in resistance to a brown-rot fungus. The wood is rated resistant to dry-wood termites, but has little resistance to marine borers[]. It is moderately difficult to work, considerable chipped grain develops in planing wood with interlocked grain[]. The wood is used for heavy construction, flooring, furniture, wheel spokes, and has been suggested as a possible decorative veneer[, , ].

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 60 - 90 days[].

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