Common Name: Tar Gum Tree

General Information

Tar gum tree is a dioecious, hemi-epiphytic tree growing up to 10 metres tall[]. It is usually found growing in the trunks or large branches of other trees where it produces stiff and spreading, spiralled branches[]. These branches produce a dense mass of roots at the nodes, the roots often extending back to the host tree and enveloping it for support[].
A gum obtained from wild trees is used locally for medicinal purposes[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to southern Mexico; Caribbean - Trinidad to Cuba.

Habitat

Frequent epiphyte in the forest or on exposed shore­lines; epiphytic on rocks or on trees near the edge of the water[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	10.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An epiphytic plant, usually enveloping the stems of other trees with its roots, whilst producing branches that may grow into the top of the canopy[].
This species is unique in that it belongs to the only genus of plants capable of absorbing carbon dioxide during the night[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An elastic gum obtained from the tree is used for bandaging children's hernias[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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