Common Name: Macayo

General Information

Andira galeottiana is an evergreen tree growing 30 metres or more tall. The trunk is free from buttresses and can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The bark is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use and the timber is harvested. The tree is used to provide shade in coffee plantations and is grown as an ornamental33]8.
Andira galeottiana is an abundant plant with a large, stable population. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2022)[].

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

C. America - southern Mexico.

Habitat

A canopy tree in remnant rainforest, growing on wet sites, river banks, seasonally flooded zones, also in non-inundated forest; at elevations up to 800 metres[, ]..

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows well in a sunny position[]. Tolerant of wet soils[].
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 bark is an effective vermifuge[]. An extract (tea?) is used as a febrifuge[]. The bark is also narcotic and emetic[].

The powdered wood and bark are applied topically to treat fungal diseases of the skin[].

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

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is grown to provide shade in coffee plantations[].

Other Uses

The wood is used[]. The heartwood is reddish-brown, the sapwood yellowish. The hard timber is used in the construction of houses, bridges, and railway sleepers[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, placing the large seeds in a partially shaded position in individual containers.
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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