Common Name:

General Information

Andira macrothyrsa is a canopy to emergent tree growing up to 40 metres tall. The trunk is slightly buttressed[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.

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 - Bolivia, northwest Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia

Habitat

Terra firme and seasonally flooded forest and also caatinga (low forest on white sand)[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	28.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The flowers are unpleasantly scented[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally. No more information is given, but it probably refers to the use of the bark and powdered wood, as well as the seed as vermifuges and their externally application to treat skin problems[].

Other Uses

The dark brown wood is used in construction[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -

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