Caribbean Trees L to Y
Lignum
Vitae (Guaiacum officinale): Meaning wood of life, this is
the heaviest of all woods and sinks in water. A popular source
of resin, it has blue flowers in the spring. A slow growing tree, it can grow
up to 30 feet.
Mahoe (Sterculia caribaea): the bark is used as a rope substitute.
Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani): Also called Dominican mahogany, this evergreen
grows to 75 feet. It is a favorite for furniture, ships and cabinets.
Monkey
Ear (Enterolobium cyclocarpum): Also called elephant's ear,
it is known for its 3-inch, ear-shaped brown seedpods. The
seedpods are used for necklaces or food. The wood is used for building, the bark for soap, medicine and tannin.
Obi (Trichilia trinitensis): the wood was made into cutlass handles.
Penny
Piece (Lucuma multiflora): the fruit is edible.
Pois
Doux (Inga spp.); the fruit is edible.
Quassia or Bitter Ash (Quassia amara): the wood is made into medicine, leaves are an insecticide.
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora spp.): the bark is used for tanning material.
Rokoo Jab (Ryania speciosa): the stem and branch have insecticidal
properties.
Sandbox (Hura crepitans): This large tree has a poisonous milky sap that may
cause blindness. The seed capsules, looking like 3-inch pumpkins, explode
when ripe. They were once used to hold sand for blotting ink, hence its name.
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera): the fruit is edible and also used as an astringent.
Silk Cotton (Ceiba pentandra): Also called the kapok tree, its seed
floss is sued for stuffing pillows; used in baths to relieve fatigue and to
counteract poisoning.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica): The brown, sour fruit pulp is used for candy, preserves
and drinks.
Tan-Tan (Leucaena glauca): Also called wild tamarind, this is a common roadside
tree whose leaves and long brown pods are used to feed goats
and cattle. However, horses and donkeys will lose their hair temporarily if they eat them.
Tirite (Ischnosiphon arouma): the leaves and stem are used for handicrafts.
Tree Fern (Cyathea spp.): used today mostly as an ornamental,
the Caribs used the trees to preserve and carry fire.
White Cedar (Tabebuia heteropyhlla): for making posts and poles but
also in shipbuilding.
Yellow Poui (Cybistax donnell-smithii): Also called the sunshine or
gold tree. Know for its strong, durable wood and beautiful
flowers. The rains often come after the tree flowers.
Caribbean Vines and Trees
Bamboo (Bambusa
Vulgaris/Grmaineae): made into vases, baskets, waiters,
tables, blinds and trinket boxes.
Bow-String
Hemp (Sansevieria thyrsiflora/Liliaceae): the fiber is woven
or plaited for ropes, hats, bags and slippers.
Cachibou (Calathea discolor/Marantaceae): made into waterproof
baskets.
To Caribbean Palm Trees
To Caribbean Flora & Fauna Home
|
