Common Name:

General Information

Bowdichia nitida is a large tree with a densely branched crown; it can grow up to 45 metres tall. The bole can be free of branches for 8 - 10 metres and 40 - 80cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and for its high quality wood, which is used locally and also exported.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Brazil.

Habitat

Forests[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	35.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

The roasted seeds are used to make a coffee-like drink. It is said to be an excitant of the lymphatic system[].

Medicinal

The bark, as well as the seeds, are antidiabetic, antirheumatic, astringent and tonic. They are effective in the treatment of syphilis, ulcers, sores, anaemia[, ].
A tincture of the bark is diaphoretic, because it contains a great deal of tannin it is used in the treatment of skin ulcers[, ].
A tincture of the seeds is a specific for treating skin conditions[].

Tubercles on the roots of the tree, known as sucupira potatoes, are an excellent depurative that is used in the treatment of skin complaints. These tubercles are said to contain all the medicinal properties of the plant[].

The tubercles contain an alkaloid, known as sucupitana[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark brown to reddish brown, with lighter, thin veins; it is clearly demarcated from the 1 - 2cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight or interlocked. The wood is heavy, very hard, elastic; very durable, being resistant to fungi, dry wood borers and termites. It seasons fairly slowly with only a slight risk of distortion or checking; once dry it is poorly to moderately stable in service. It has a fairly high blunting effect upon tools - stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; there are simetimes difficulties due to the interlocked grain; a good finish can be obtained with fillers; nailing and screwing are good, but pre-boring is required; gluing is correct for interior use only. The wood has many uses, including for high class furniture, cabinetwork, flooring, stairs, heavy carpentry, interior and exterior joinery and panelling, ship building, turnery[].

Propagation

Seed -

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