Common Name: Pitittache

General Information

Leuenbergeria lychnidiflora is a spiny, deciduous tree usually growing up to 10 metres tall, occasionally reaching up to 15 metres, with a broad crown. The short bole can be free of branches for 100 - 200cm and around 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
The spines on the stems have been used as needles and the plant is sometimes grown as a living hedge and as an ornamental[].
Leuenbergeria lychnidiflora is widespread and abundant in most parts of its range, though in Costa Rica the species needs special attention because it is almost extinct. On a global level, however, the plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

Known Hazards

The fruit is of particular interest because its seeds are surrounded by stinging sclereid fibers of the locule wall. Although this may not be a factor preventing dispersal of the intact fruit, the fibers might act as a repellent against consumption of the seeds[].

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala to southern Mexico (Guerrero, Oaxaca)

Habitat

Well developed tropical deciduous forests and low thorn forest; at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Leuenbergia species occur in dry forests and thorn-scrub habitats in a tropical climate with a more or less pronounced dry season of about two to five months[].
Species in this genus generally prefes a well-drained, circum-neutral soil in a sunny position[].
Species in this genus can be evergreen, but are deciduous under conditions with seasonal drought. Iin cultivation they also lose their leaves if the mean temperature falls below around 15°c[].
The flowers open during the day and only last one day[].
The plant contains a mucilage. When the fresh or dried, sectioned fruits are put in water, the mucilage swells and exudes in large amounts from the cut mucilage cavities[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used for the construction of livestock fences or grown as hedges around homesteads. Cuttings around 100cm long are taken during the dry season and placed fairly close to each other to form a living fence of spiny canes. This soon develops into an impenetrable, stock-proof hedge[].
Some people consider a hedge made from this species to be dangerous. The stinging sclerenchymatic fibres falling from the withering cortex of dead branches and trunks and blown away with the wind irritate the skin and are dangerous to the eyes[].

Other Uses

The spines are used as needles[].

The wood is yellow, without difference between softwood and heartwood. The texture is medium, soft grain, straight fibre, with no characteristic odour or taste[],

Propagation

Seed - fresh seed can be slow to germinate, it is best to sow seed that is between several months to 2 years old and this should germinate after a few days. Even when five years old, seed can have a 50% germination rate[].
Easily grown from cuttings of half-ripe wood, taken during the dry season[, ].
The wood is considered to be unsuitable for fuel because of the stinging sclerenchymatic fibres that fall from the withering cortex of dead branches and trunks[].

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