Common Name:

General Information

Pseudima frutescens is an evergreen tree with a narrow, elongate crown; it can grow 7 - 16 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of soap and wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama.

Habitat

An understorey tree in the Atlantic and coastal rainforests, preferring sandy soils with a shallow water table[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in moderate to deep woodland shade[]. Found in the wild on sandy soils with a shallow water table[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The scrotum is bathed in a decoction of boiled leaves in order to treat 'checkball', a condition involving the testicles[]. The leaves are also put into a fire and the smoke allowed to bathe the testicles[].

Other Uses

The fruits are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[].

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, easy to cut, susceptible to the attacks of wood-eating organisms. It can be used for internal construction[].
The wood is used for 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 low germination rate can generally be expected, with the seed sprouting within 60 - 80 days[].

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