Common Name:

General Information

Andira anthelmia is a semideciduous tree with a broad, dense, conical crown; it can grow 14 - 25 metres tall. The usually short bole is free from buttresses and can be 40 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. The wood is also traded. A fairly fast-growing pioneer species, it can be used in reforestation projects and, being a good shade-providing ornamental tree, it is suitable for urban planting, being used to provide shade along streets[, ].
Andira anthelmia has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Many members of this genus are used medicinally, particularly to treat parasitic and other skin conditions, and to act as a drastic purgative. The powdered wood, bark and seeds are the parts most commonly used. However the medicinal use of these plants needs to be tempered with caution since the active compounds (the alkaloid andirine is most commonly mentioned) are toxic and, in all but small doses, can cause fever, delerium, vomiting and, in extreme cases, death[, ]. Both caster oil (from Ricinus communis) and lemon juice are said to be effective antidotes[].
The smoke from the wood is said to be toxic and to cause blindness if it gets in the eyes[, ].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern and southern Brazil.

Habitat

Semideciduous broadleaved forests; both in dense primary forest and also in more open, secondary formations; favouring the moister soils of valley bottoms and lower slopes of hills[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	16.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sunny position and also in dappled shade[]. Grows best in a moist, fertile soil, and is tolerant of seasonal flooding[].
A fairly fast-growing plant, able to reach a height of around 2.5 metres within 2 years from seed[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fruits (seeds?) are anthelmintic[].

Although toxic in larger doses, the bark and leaves are used in small quantities for their emetic and purgative properties[]. They are also narcotic[].

The sawdust is applied to the skin as a treatment for ulcers and skin diseases[, ].

The active anthelmintic principle in the plant is the non-proteinogenic amino acid N-methyltyrosine (andirine)[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fairly fast-growing pioneer species that provides dense shade, an abundance of food for the native fauna, and also enriches the soil with nitrogen, the tree can be used in reforestation projects and to establish woodland gardens[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard, with good mechanical properties and of high durability even when exposed to the elements. A decorative wood, it is used in construction for purposes such as interior finishes, baseboards, frames, doors, decorative veneers etc; for making barrels, canoes, carts, and for outdoor purposes such as poles, posts and stakes[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, placing the large seeds in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected from seed sown when fresh, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 35 days[]. The seedlings develop fairly slowly, but they should be ready to plant out 8 - 9 months later[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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