Cavanillesia platanifolia

Cavanillesia platanifolia, known as pijio, bongo, pretino, petrino, cuipo, hameli or hamelí in Spanish[2][1] or macondo,[4] is a flowering plant species in the family Malvaceae.[2] It grows in lowland rainforests in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.[2][1]

Cavanillesia platanifolia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Cavanillesia
Species:
C. platanifolia
Binomial name
Cavanillesia platanifolia
Synonyms[3]
  • Pourretia platanifolia Humb. & Bonpl.[2]

The tree grows to 45–60 metres (148–197 feet) in height, with leaves only near the top for one month a year. Its reddish-gray bark has characteristic rings along the entire trunk. The roots are orangish-brown.[5]

A root fragment can be cut off and cleaned (while kept horizontal) then tipped to pour water, which has a taste of potatoes.[5] Rope can be made from the inner bark of branches and saplings.[5]

The wood is extremely soft and may have commercial applications. According to the Janka Hardness Test, along with balsa it is one of the softest.

References

  1. Mitré, M. (1998). "Cavanillesia platanifolia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998: e.T34748A9887161. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T34748A9887161.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. "Cavanillesia platanifolia (Humb. & Bonpl.) Kunth". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
  3. "The Plant List: A Working List of all Plant Species".
  4. Peixoto, Aristeu Mendes; de Toledo, Francisco Ferraz (1995). Enciclopédia Agrícola Brasileira: I-M Vol. 4. EdUSP. pp. 346–. ISBN 978-85-314-0719-2. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  5. The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants. United States Department of the Army. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. 2009. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-60239-692-0. OCLC 277203364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)


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