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]

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]

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. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 3 4 5 "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. 1 2 3 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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