Common Name:

General Information

Lecythis minor is a tree.
The edible seeds are gathered in quantity for local use[]. The tree is also cultivated for this seed within its native range, and also in Panama and Cuba[]. It shows good potential for further development as a commercial crop[].

Known Hazards

In some areas the seeds are reported to be somewhat toxic. The toxicity may depend on selenium concentration in the soil[]. Selenium poisoning can cause temporary loss of hair and nails and nausea.

Botanical References

Range

Northwestern S. America - Colombia, Venezuela.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the hot, humid, tropical lowlands[].
Prefers a deep, fertile soil[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or roasted[]. An excellent flavour[]. The seed is rich in oil, protein and B vitamins[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

We have no specific information on the wood of this species. A general description of the wood from this genus is as follows:-
The heartwood is light to dark salmon; the sapwood is creamy-yellow. The texture is medium fine and uniform; the grain fairly straight or slightly interlocked; lustre is mostly low but high in some species; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is reported to be very durable upon exposure to both a white-rot and a brown-rot fungus confirming its reputation for high resistance to decay; it is also highly resistant to dry-wood termites and is reported to be moderately resistant to marine borer attack. It is rated as easy to moderately difficult to air season, depending on species; a slow to rapid drying rate is reported; warp and checking ranged from slight to moderate. The wood is moderately difficult to work because of its high density; however, surfaces obtained in planing, boring, sawing, and shaping were smooth and rated as good to excellent. Silica content varies with species and dulling of cutters is also variable. The wood is used for purposes such as heavy construction, ship keels and beams, railroad crossties, industrial flooring and other uses requiring high impact resistance (wagon wheels, tool handles), turnery[].

Propagation

Seed -

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