The name of this species has recently (2001) been changed from Hibiscus elatus, though this is not universally recognised as yet(2009)[].

Common Name: Blue Mahoe

General Information

Talipariti elatum is a very attractive evergreen tree that can grow from 6 - 25 metres tall[]. The straight, cylindrical bole is of fairly good length and usually 30 - 45cm in diameter, though it can be up to 90cm[].
Blue mahoe is considered to be one of the most valuable woods of Jamaica and Cuba and has been heavily harvested in the past, seriously reducing the volume of merchantable timber. The tree is sometimes grown in plantations for its timber, especially in the Caribbean, and it is also often grown as an ornamental and as a street tree[, ].
Talipariti elatum is widespread with no major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Caribbean - Cuba, Jamaica.

Habitat

Dry woodlands; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Talipariti elatum is a tree of the lowland tropics. It is not well suited to areas with a mean annual rainfall less than 1,500mm[].
Grows in the wild in a wide range of soils[]. A very wind-resistant species, capable of withstanding hurricanes[].
Trees can flower and produce fruit all year round[].
A fast-growing tree[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the mucilaginous leaves and young shoots is used in the treatment of dysentery[].

Different antioxidants and bioactive compounds have been identified in the tree's flowers, giving rise to potential pharmaceutical use for the species[].

Other Uses

The bark is clear in colour, rather soft in texture, and consists of many layers that can be separated after beating. The inner bark is used for making rope and cord, which is reported to be very durable in salt and brackish water[]. The fibres of the bark of young trees make good ropes[]. The lace-like inner bark was at one time known as Cuba bark from its being used as the material for tying round bundles of Havana cigars[].

The heartwood is basically a greyish brown or olive, but is often richly variegated with streaks of purple, metallic blue, and olive, or separated by plain olive patches. The best forms have the appearance, when polished, of dark-green variegated marble[, ]. The sapwood is narrow and nearly white. The grain is fairly straight; texture medium to somewhat coarse; surface lustrous; there is no distinctive odour or taste present in seasoned wood[, ]. The wood is moderately heavy; very hard, but not so hard as rosewood (Amyris balsamifera); tough; durable to very durable[]. It is very flexible, and is said to have all the characters of the best European ash, but to be more durable and longer in the fibre[]. It works easily, but needs particular care to attain a good polish[]. Wood of good colour is used in cabinet work, for furniture etc, it is much used locally for building purposes, for carriage and cart work and for railway sleepers, it also yields good shingles[]. Use is also made of it for gun-stocks, carriage poles, ships' knees, and fishing rod[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: Type the digit seven into the box