Common Name:

General Information

Andira vermifuga is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it usually grows around 5 - 12 metres tall, though it can reach 25 metres, and occasionally is more like a shrub[, ]. The trunk sometimes has small buttresses, though is more often unbuttressed[].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use and for its wood.
Andira vermifuga 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(2019)[].

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, central and northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru

Habitat

Gallery forest and savannah[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Andira vermifuga is found primarily in seasonally dry regions.

Plants are able to resprout from their roots[].
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 emetic, narcotic and purgative[].
The powdered wood and bark are applied externally in the treatment of ulcers[, ].

The seeds are believed to be an effective vermifuge[]. They contain an active principle called 'angelina'[].

The bark contains the alkaloid berberine and the glucoside andirine[].
The active anthelmintic principle in the plant is the non-proteinogenic amino acid N-methyltyrosine (andirine)[].

Other Uses

The light red or slightly yellowish wood, sometimes has a darker heartwood. It is resistant to insects and easily split, making it suitable for posts and civil construction[]. The wood is used in general construction[].

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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