Common Name:

General Information

Licania arborea is a medium-sized or large tree with a rounded crown and dense foliage[, ]. It usually grows 10 - 25 metres tall, with some specimens up to 30 metres, with a bole that can be from 10 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is commonly harvested from the wild, especially in Mexico, for its seed which is a source of oil[]. The tree is of some potential economic importance because it is closely related to the oiticica tree (Licania rigida) of Ceara, Brazil, from whose seeds is extracted a commercially important oil[]. This is exported in large quantities for use in the manufacture of paints[]. There is every reason to suppose that the oil of this species may have the same properties and be of equal value if available in sufficient quantity[]. The tree is cultivated for its oil in S. America.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela; C. America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitat

Chiefly in dry brushy forest, at elevations of 1,300 metres or less[]. Low elevations, in dry or wet areas. It is common in savannahs and grasslands in dry areas of the Pacific in Panama, but rare or absent in the Caribbean rainforest[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark and leaves are used in folk medicine to cure haemorrhoids and kidney problems[].

Other Uses

The seeds are said to contain about 30 per cent of oil and to burn readily[]. They are sometimes strung on sticks and burned like candles[]. The oil has been used in substantial amounts for making candles, soap, axle grease, and other articles[]. It is said to have a peculiar odour, disagreeable flavour, and a greenish colour that it imparts to soap made from it[].
The obovoid fruits are 2 - 3 cm long or larger and contain a single large seed[].

The wood is durable[], and is reported to be used at times for heavy construction[]. It is used in rural construction and for fence posts[].
We have no more specific information on the qualities of this wood, the following is the general description for the genus:-
The wood is a pale or pinkish brown with a greyish tinge, sometimes darkening on exposure, and with long, broad, prominent, dark reddish brown gum streaks[]. Straight-grained; medium or coarse-textured; when seasoned it is odourless and tasteless. The wood is heavy, hard, strong, and durable. It is easy to split and takes a smooth, fairly lustrous polish[]. It should be suitable for heavy construction[]

Propagation

Seed -

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