Common Name:

General Information

Clusia nemorosa can vary considerably in habit. In Brazil it is described as an evergreen tree with a dense, irregular crown; it can grow 4 - 6 metres tall. The somewhat crooked bole can be 15 - 25cm in diameter[]. However, in the Guyanas the plant is recorded as sometimes adopting a climbing habit where it can grow into the surrounding vegetation and 'strangle' trees[]. At other times it can vary from a shrub to a tree with stilt roots growing up to 15 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. Very ornamental with its attractive flowers and dense, evergreen foliage, it can be used in urban landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Wet savannah forest, wet sand and rock savannahs in the Guyanas[]. Open coastal forests in Brazil, favouring very wet, sandy soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Found in the wild in very wet, sandy soils[].
Young plants have a moderate to rapid rate of growth[].
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 fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The latex is antiseptic[]. It is used externally to treat a wide range of skin problems. Applied in a plaster on painful areas, it is an effective treatment for body aches[]. It is used as a treatment for cracked heels, for dermatoses, to treat persistent sores and for 'bush yaws'[].

The macerated inner bark is mixed with a small amount of water and used as an antiseptic or as a treatment for cuts and wounds[].

The leaves are rich in flavonoids[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, irregular-grained, moderately heavy, easy to cut, with a slight susceptibility to rot. The wood is always of small size in Brazil, where it is only used for making staked[].
The wood is used as fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of around 35% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25 days[].

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