Andira taurotesticulata
R.T.Penn.
Fabaceae
Common Name: Cojones de Toro
General Information
Andira taurotesticulata is a tree growing up to 25 metres tall. The trunk is free from buttresses[
2122- Title
- Monograph of Andira (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae)
- Publication
- Systematic Botany Monographs, Vol. 64 pp 1-143
- Author
- Pennington R.T.
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 2003
- ISBN
-
- Description
-
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
Andira taurotesticulata has a wide range and is found in many different localities. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
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[
461- Title
- Diccionario das Plantas Uteis do Brasil
- Publication
-
- Author
- Correa M.P.
- Publisher
- Imprensa Nacional; Rio de Janeiro
- Year
- 1926
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A massive work in 6 volumes giving details of the various uses of Brazilian plants.
,
528- Title
- Indicador de Madeiras e Plantas Uteis do Brasil.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Fonseca E. T. De
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- Officinas graphicas Villas-Boas & Co.; Rio de Janeiro
- Year
- 1922
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Brief details of some of the uses of Brazilian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. Both caster oil (from Ricinus communis) and lemon juice are said to be effective antidotes[
461- Title
- Diccionario das Plantas Uteis do Brasil
- Publication
-
- Author
- Correa M.P.
- Publisher
- Imprensa Nacional; Rio de Janeiro
- Year
- 1926
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A massive work in 6 volumes giving details of the various uses of Brazilian plants.
].
The smoke from the wood is said to be toxic and to cause blindness if it gets in the eyes[
307- Title
- Tropical and Subtropical Trees - A Worldwide Encyclopaedic Guide.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Barwick. M.
- Publisher
- Thames & Hudson, London
- Year
- 2004
- ISBN
- 0-500-51181-0
- Description
- A superb book, very concise and well written, giving a wealth of information on 400 or more species including descriptions, habitat, cultivation details and plant uses. A wealth of colour photographs bring each plant vividly to life.
,
528- Title
- Indicador de Madeiras e Plantas Uteis do Brasil.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Fonseca E. T. De
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- Officinas graphicas Villas-Boas & Co.; Rio de Janeiro
- Year
- 1922
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Brief details of some of the uses of Brazilian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
Botanical References
2122- Title
- Monograph of Andira (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae)
- Publication
- Systematic Botany Monographs, Vol. 64 pp 1-143
- Author
- Pennington R.T.
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 2003
- ISBN
-
- Description
-
Range
S. America - Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela; C. America - Panama
Habitat
Lowland forest, montane forest and the transition zone between; at elevations up to 2,200 metres[
2122- Title
- Monograph of Andira (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae)
- Publication
- Systematic Botany Monographs, Vol. 64 pp 1-143
- Author
- Pennington R.T.
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 2003
- ISBN
-
- Description
-
].
Properties
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Medicinal Rating |  |
| Habit | Tree |
| Height | 18.00 m |
| Pollinators | Bees, Insects |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
Not known
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[
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Other Uses
None known
Propagation
Seed -
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Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
