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Vochysia ferrugínea

Family:

Native to:

Habitat:

Vochysiaceae

Southern Central America and northern and central South America.

Lowland and montane forests on non-flooded land. 15 meter tall tree, 800 meters above sea level.

Vochysia ferrugínea

Ecological value:

Prefers coastal plain habitats. Several species of Vochysia are visited by large Anthophoridae bees, sphingid moths and hummingbirds. Fast growing and long-lived pioneer species, shade-intolerant.

Material uses:

Wood, compact and moderately light, yet resistant to white-rot and brown-rot fungi. Poor machining properties. Used for construction and inexpensive furniture, toys, tool
handles and joinery. Used in wall construction in Panama. Substitute for cedrela.

Edible uses:

No record on this species.

Medicinal use:

Research has shown that the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. The bark has been traditionally used to heal ulcerating wounds and as an antipyretic.

Other details:

The flowers are showy with a strong scent, similar to violets. Can be used as an ornamental. Used for poison, but specifics not mentioned.

Research:

Tresha Naharwar/Christine Facella

Sources:

“Vochysia Ferruginea Mart. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science.” n.d. Plants of the World Online. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:266306-2/general-information.
‌“Vochysia Ferruginea - Useful Tropical Plants.” n.d. Tropical.theferns.info. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Vochysia+ferruginea.
Chudnoff Martin., ‘Tropical Timbers of the World. Ag. Handbook No. 607’, USDA Forest Service. Wisconsin., 1984
Paulo Oliveira and Peter Gibbs, Pollination Biology and Breeding Systems of Six Vochysia Species (Vochysiaceae) in Central Brazil, Journal of Tropical Ecology, volume 10, 1994
Jesús Cordero, David Boshier (eds.),”Vochysiaceae Vochysia ferruginea Donn. Smith"; Arboles de Centroamérica, 2013
Image source: Alejandro Bayer Tamayo

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