This species is extremely closely related to Handroanthus heptaphyllus.The two have been much confused and material of each has at times been treated as a variety of the other under a variety of names as attested by the excessive list of varietal synonyms for both species[].

Common Name: Pau D'Arco

General Information

Handroanthus impetiginosus is a briefly deciduous tree that grows around 8 - 12 metres tall in open areas but more like 20 - 35 metres in dense forests where it can become part of the canopy[]. The straight bole can be 60 - 80cm in diameter[, ].
Known collectively as 'ipe', many members of this genus, including pau d'arco, have long been used medicinally by the local peoples of S. America and are also very popular in modern herbalism[]. The tree also has a very valuable timber that is widely exported. With its impressive flowering display, the tree is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical areas[].
The tree has been heavily exploited for its wood, notably in Brazil, at such a level as to cause significant population declines. Recovery from logging is poor due to slow growth rates, poor colonisation and few young trees found in stands. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Excessive use of the herb can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness and diarrhoea[].

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - from Argentina north through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Interior of dense, primary forests, as well as in open and secondary growth areas[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A species of higher elevations in the tropics, it is well-suited to subtropical areas[].
Prefers a well-drained fertile soil and a position in full sun[].
Young plants establish well, achieving heights of around 3.5 metres within 2 years[].

Edible Uses

A tea made from the inner bark is widely used as a tonic[].

Medicinal

The inner bark of species in the genus Handroanthus (especially of Pau D’Arco, Handroanthus impetiginosus, and several very closely related species) has a long history of traditional use stretching back far beyond the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. Many native South American peoples have prized pau d'arco as a cure-all, using it in the form of a decoction and as a wash to treat a wide range of conditions including wounds, skin problems, fevers, dysentery, intestinal inflammation and snake bites[].
In modern herbalism the wood and inner bark are seen as a bitter, cooling, pungent herb that lowers fever and reduces inflammation[]. A decoction is widely used in local and traditional phytomedicine to treat numerous conditions including bacterial and fungal infections (especially candidiasis), inflammatory diseases, ulcers, syphilis, fevers, malaria, trypanosomiasis, as well as stomach and bladder disorders. The inner bark, taken both internally and applied topically, is said to be especially useful for treating skin disorders, particularly eczema, herpes and the mange[, ]. It is also used, in combination with other herbs, to clear toxins, resolve congestion and strengthen the immune system[].
The wood and inner bark are harvested as required and can be dried for later use[].

The inner bark has been shown to contain various pharmacologically active compounds, including the naphthoquinones lapachol and beta-lapachone. These compounds have a range of medicinal activities, including antitumor activity, but when isolated from the whole bark and used in the quantities required to treat conditions such as cancer, they have also shown unacceptable levels of toxicity towards the body.

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
An extract of the bark is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant and a skin conditioner[].

The heartwood is greenish to yellowish-brown; the sapwood is yellowish. The texture is medium; the grain interlocked; lustre is medium. The wood is very heavy, durable, especially when not in contact with the soil. It can be very hard to cut, but works well and gives a good finish. The timber, known as lapacho, is highly valued for cabinet making. It is also used for railway ties, telegraph poles, interior finishes, parquet flooring, sports items such as wooded balls, musical instruments etc[, , ]. Traditionally, it was favoured as a wood for making bows[].

Most species of Handroanthus, almost certainly including this one, produce a very hard, heavy and durable timber known collectively as 'Ipê' and widely traded under that name. Most Ipê wood comes from this genus (Handroanthus), though some also comes from the genera Tabebuia and Roseodendron. The general description of Ipê wood, when produced from Handroanthus species is as follows:-
The heartwood is yellowish brown to dark olive brown, sometimes with thin veins; it is clearly demarcated from the 3 - 9cm wide band of lighter-coloured sapwood. The texture is usually fine, though it is medium in some species; the grain is interlocked; there are canals in the wood containing a greenish-yellow deposit of the naphthoquinon 'lapachol'. The wood is very heavy; very hard; elastic; it is very durable, even in contact with the soil, resisting fungi, dry wood borers and termites. It seasons slowly, but with only a low risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. The wood has a fairly high blunting effect - stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; there can be some difficulties due to the interlocked grain; filling is recommended in order to get a good finish; nailing and screwing are good , but require pre-boring; gluing is correct for internal use only, and needs to be done with care because the wood is so dense. Ipê is a very durable and strong wood that has a very wide range of uses, especially for outdoor applications. It is used for making high class furniture, cabinet work, heavy construction, railway sleepers, bridges, hydraulic works, industrial flooring, decking, posts and poles, turnery, musical instruments, tool handles, veneer etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a nursery seedbed or individual containers[, ]. The germination rate is usually high, occurring in 10 - 12 days. Seedlings grow away quickly and are usually ready to plant out in less than 4 months[].
Air layering.
Cuttings of half ripe wood.

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