Common Name:

General Information

Andira cujabensis is a deciduous tree (occasionally more shrub-like) with a dense, more or less globose crown; it can grow 4 - 12, metres tall. The cylindrical but crooked bole is free from buttresses, it can be 20 - 30cm in diameter with a corky bark[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It has potential for use as an ornamental[].
Andira cujabensis has a wide distribution and is founs in a large number of localities. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

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 - central and northern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Semidecidous forest and the transition to savannah, growing in denser primary forests as well as in more open and secondary forest; favouring well-drained soils that can be sandy to clayey, but also tolerating seasonal water-logging[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in both clayey and sandy soils so long as they are well-drained[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The thick, corky bark gives the tree some protection from forest fires[].
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 soaked heartwood is used as a digestive and a vermifuge[].
The shredded wood is used medicinally[]. It is also likely to be used in a similar way to the wood of other species in this genus - there the powdered wood is used as an external dressing on various skin problems, particularly ulcers[].

The seed is used as a vermifuge[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

The pale, straw-coloured wood is medium-textured, wavy-grained, moderately heavy, with poor mechanical properties and low durability. It is soft to cut and is only used locally, being employed for items such as bowls, kitchen utensils, cattle troughs etc[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, placing the large seeds in a sunny position in individual containers. A high germination rate can be expected from seed sown when fresh, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 40 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[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many fingers does the typical human have?