Mi Jardín Botánico

Hylocereus ssp. - Pitahaya

2011-07-27T16:08:00.001-04:00

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylocereus
"La reina de la noche" ["Könnigin der Nacht"]
Fuente

Características botánicas y hábitos

La Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp. Britton et Rose) es una planta perenne, suculenta, epífita o rastrera, que crece generalmente sobre árboles o bardas de piedra, de las cuales se sujeta a través de sus raíces adventicias. Sus tallos son generalmente triangulares (ver foto 1), con tres aristas simétricas y grupos de 3 a 5 espinas de 2 a 4 mm de longitud, ubicadas sobre las areolas; la epidermis es una capa cerosa de aproximadamente 1 mm de grosor. Cada una de estas características varía, dependiendo de la especie y/o variedad observada.

Foto 1. Tallo de Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.).

Las flores son hermafroditas (ver foto 2), acampanadas, blancas y de gran tamaño (20 a 30 cm). Poseen aproximadamente 20 sépalos, 20 estructuras de transición de sépalos a pétalos y 20 pétalos; más de 1000 estambres y un ovario ínfero. Su belleza sólo se despliega durante una noche, en la cual los estambres están completamente erectos y el estilo adopta una posición de reposo con el estigma hacia las anteras para facilitar la polinización que es realizada, aparentemente, durante la noche.

Foto 2. Fruto, botón floral y flor en corte longitudinal de Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.).

El fruto es una baya de color rojo púrpura (ver foto 3), compuesto por brácteas o escamas, formaciones salientes que le dan el nombre de “pitahaya orejona”. De forma ovoide y globoso, mide de 10 a 12 cm y posee una pulpa muy dulce formada por filamentos granulosos, y al extremo de cada filamento se encuentran las semillas lustrosas y pequeñas, (Aponte y Guerrero, 1990). Las semillas miden 3 milímetros de diámetro y son muy numerosas, de color café oscuro o negro, se encuentran distribuidas en toda la pulpa y contienen aceite. La gran diversidad de colores de la pulpa, que van del blanco grisáceo al rojo intenso, es lo que le da la característica de “fruto exótico” en el mercado internacional.

Foto 3. Fruto y fruto en corte longitudinal de Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.).

Su número cromosómico es: 2n=22 (Arias, et al., 1997). Se reconoce la presencia de poliploides en este género (Tel-Zur, et al., 2001).

Han sido descritas alrededor de 25 especies que crecen principalmente en los bosques caducifolios del sur de México (Campeche), Mesoamérica, América del Sur e Islas del Caribe. En Mesoamérica crecen, según datos bibliográficos (Bravo-Hollis, 1984), nueve especies que son las siguientes:

Hylocereus guatemalensis.

Hylocereus polyrhizus.

Hylocereus costarricensis.

Hylocereus undatus.

Hylocereus monacanthus.

Hylocereus stenopterus.

Hylocereus ocamponis.

Hylocereus calcaratus.

Hylocereus triangularis.

En la región del Valle de Tehuacán en Puebla, se han descrito e identificado claramente dos especies: Hylocereus undatus e Hylocereus purpusii (Bravo-Hollis, 1978; Cruz, et al., 1995; Calix, 1996; Arias, et al., 1997). Las características botánicas que más diferencian a estas dos especies son el margen de los tallos tiernos, que es crenado en H. undatus y ondulado en H. purpusii, y el color interno del fruto, ya que en ambas el fruto es una baya de color rosa mexicano o fucsia de 10 a 13 cm de longitud. El color de la pulpa es blanco grisáceo con numerosas semillas pequeñas, color negro brillante en H. undatus, y púrpura en H. Purpusii.

Existe también en el Valle de Tehuacán, Puebla un material con características similares a las de H. undatus pero con la pulpa del fruto color “solferino”, de acuerdo con la nomenclatura local. Este material, denominado “especie no identificada” ha sido reportado como Hylocereus ocamponis (Calix, 1996).

Fisiología y fenología

Euphorbia pulcherrima

2011-05-16T14:25:00.000-04:00

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Euphorbiaceae
Genus:	Euphorbia
Species:	E. pulcherrima
Binomial name
*Euphorbia pulcherrima* Willd. ex Klotzsch

Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as Poinsettia or noche buena, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The name "poinsettia" is after Joel Roberts Poinsett,^[1] the first United States Minister to Mexico,^[2] who introduced the plant into the US in 1825. It is also called the Atatürk flower in Turkey
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Description

Euphorbia pulcherrima is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 0.6 to 4 m (2 to 16 ft). The plant bears dark green dentate leaves that measure 7 to 16 cm (3 to 6 inches) in length. The colored bracts—which are most often flaming red but can be orange, pale green, cream, pink, white or marbled—are actually leaves.^{[citation needed]} The colors come from photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness for 12 hours at a time for at least 5 days in a row to change color. At the same time, the plants need a lot of light during the day for the brightest color.^[3]
Because of their groupings and colors, laymen often think the bracts are the flower petals of the plant. In fact, the flowers are grouped within the small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch, and they are called cyathia.
The species is native to Mexico

Heaths and Heathers Erica and Calluna

2011-05-16T12:13:00.002-04:00

Source

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of more than 500, evergreen plants ranging in size from dwarf shrubs to small trees, native to Europe, Turkey, and Africa, especially South Africa. The foliage of these plants come in a wide variety of colors including gold, silver, red, gray, and an unlimited range of greens, from olive to lime. They bear delicate, bell-shaped flowers in an array of colors from snow white to lavender to scarlet. These plants are commonly known as Heaths and Heathers. These common names are usually used to refer to a number of groups. Generally, the species of this group (Erica) are called Heath, while those belonging to the group, Calluna, (go see) are called Heather. The common name of these plants (Heather) was given in reference to the land on which they where originally found. This land was called heath (tracts of land considered useless for agriculture). Gardeners have come to distinguish these plants with different names and they are also distinguished botanically into the groups, Erica and Calluna. As mentioned before, Heaths come in a range of sizes. They may form dwarf shrubs a foot high that are excellent for using as ground covers, in rock gardens, and for lining pathways. Some species form large, tree-like shrubs up to 16 feet high. These are superb landscape plants and are especially beautiful when surrounded by smaller-sized Heaths and Heathers. Heaths and Heathers bloom throughout the year. E. australis (Spanish Heath) is a medium-sized shrub with scented, rose-purple flowers from mid- to late spring. This Heath needs warmer climates. E. carnea (Spring Heath; Winter Heath) and its cultivars are hardy to zone 4 US and grow from 6 to 9 inches high and 12 to 18 inches wide. They form thick mounds and mats of foliage and bear flowers in white and gold and shades of purple and pink.

Artocarpus heterophyllus - Yaca

2011-05-14T15:17:00.000-04:00

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Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Synonyms: Artocarpus heterophylla
Artocarpus integra
Artocarpus integrifolia

English: Jackfruit
Spanish: Árbol de jack, Yaca, Panapén
French: Jacquier

German: Jackfrucht Jackbaumfrucht Jakobsfrucht Jackfruchtbaum
Italian: Catala

Family: Moraceae
Order: Rosales

Origin: India
Distribution: All tropical areas.

Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
Flowers: Male and female flowers are produced on separate inflorescences. The female inflorescences are usually borne on thick branches or on the trunk of the tree.
Leaves: Glossy, dark green leaves. Elliptical leaves, 5-25 cm long and 3-12 cm broad. On young trees the leaves are often lobed but entire on mature trees.
Fruits: jackfruit is the largest fruit growing on trees in the world. The very big fruits are at least 25 cm in diameter but can be up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter. Peeling the skin of the fruit will reveal the succulent, yellow to orange colored pulp. The flavor is sweet, a bit like banana or pineapple, but with a strong, fruity aroma and taste.
Climate and weather: Jackfruit is adapted to humid tropical and near-tropical climates. Sensitive to frost
Pollination: Wind pollination. Hand pollination will produce better fruits.
Height: 10-17 meter
Type of soil: Prefers rich, deep soil of medium or open texture.
Moisture: Prefers flood free, well-drained soils. It cannot tolerate "wet feet". the roots should not touch the water. Cannot tolerate drought. If rainfall is deficient, the tree needs irrigation.
Spacing (close range) 9 meter
Spacing (wide range) 12 meter
Propagation: Propagation is usually by seeds.
Insect pests: Few pest problems.
Diseases: Few disease problems.
Fruit development: Fruits mature 3 to 8 months from flowering.
Harvesting: The peel of the fruit contains sticky latex. Therefore coat your hands with vegetable oil prior to peeling a jackfruit. It will be easier to clean. Fruit are usually eaten fresh, but can also be fried green or pickled.
Uses: Eat as fresh fruit or in fruit salad. Unripe fruits are used as a vegetable.

Manilkara zapota - Chicle

2011-05-14T13:01:00.000-04:00

Source

Scientific name:	Manilkara zapota
Synonym:	Achras zapota
English:	Sapodilla

Spanish:	Chicle Chicozapote

German:	Breiapfelbaum Sapote Kaugummibaum Sapotillbaum


Family:	Sapotaceae
Order:	Ericales

Origin:	Central America and South Mexico.
Distribution:	Central America, Mexico, India, Philippines.

Evergreen or deciduous:	Evergreen
Flowers:	Sapodilla trees may flower year round, but fruiting usually occurs only twice a year.
Leaves:	The green glossy leaves are 7 to 15 centimeters long.
Fruits:	Sapodilla fruits are large oval-shaped berries, with a diameter of 4-8 cm. They look like a potato. Inside the fruit are 2-5 black bean-like seeds with a hook on one end. Fruiting occurs twice a year. The sweet flesh is very tasty. It has a pale yellowish to earth brown color. The texture is grainy resembling a pear.
Climate and weather:
Pollination:
Height:	Sapodilla trees are 3-4 meter tall.
Type of soil:
Light:


Propagation:
Insect pests:
Diseases:
Harvesting:
Chemical composition:
Uses:

Hylocereus undatus - Pitajaya

2011-05-14T12:54:00.000-04:00

English:	Dragon fruit
English:	Pitaya Pitahaya Strawberry pear Red pitaya Red pitahaya Conderella plant Belle of the night Night blooming cereus

Spanish:	Pitahaya roja Flor de caliz Pitajava Junco Junco tapatio Pitahaya orejona Reina de la noche Tasajo
French:	Fruit du dragon Cierge-lézard Poire de chardon
German:	Drachenfrucht Distelbirne Pitahaya


Family:	Cactaceae
Order:	Caryophyllales

Origin:	Mexico, Central and South America
Distribution:	Mexico, Central and South America, South-East Asia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Southern China, Israel

Evergreen or deciduous:	Evergreen
Flowers:	The plant flowers only at night. The large white flowers are called "moonflower" or "queen of the night".
Leaves:	It's a vine-like plants in the cactus family. The cactus-like tree has no leaves.
Fruits:	The typical bright pink or red colored fruits weigh from 200 to 700 grams. They are 7-10 cm wide and 10-15 cm long. The flesh inside is white (but varieties with other colors exist) and contains many small black seeds. It has a mildly sweet taste. The fruit is supposed to have the color and shape of a dragon's eye. Towards the end of the fruit are several soft scales with a greenish color.
Climate and weather:	Dry tropical climates. Requires moderate amounts of rain.
Pollination:	Self pollination. But pollination improves if bees or ants are present and by hand pollination.
Height:	The plant is often grown along cement poles of about 2 meter height with wooden crosspieces to support the vines.
Type of soil:	Dragon fruit grows in any soil but likes rich organic matter plus sand. It prefers well-drained soils.
Light:	Dragon fruit likes bright sunshine.


Propagation:	Propagated by seed or by cutting.
Insect pests:	Few pests: aphids, mealybugs
Diseases:	Stem rot (Xanthomonas campestris), Collar rot (Phytopthora sp.), Root rots (Fusarium sp., Alternara sp.)
Fruit development:	Fruits are produce throughout the year.
Harvesting:	Hand pick the mature fruits.
Uses:	Fruits are peeled and the white flesh is eaten fresh. Fruits can also be used to prepare juice or wine.

Sangre de dragon

2011-05-14T02:32:00.005-04:00

Palo Sangre (Brosimum rubescens) Moraceae
ccamazonas.org.co/palosangre.htm

Palo sangre
(Brosimum rubescens)
Madera exótica propia de la selva tropical húmeda, de color rojo, densa y muy dura.Se emplea madera de árboles derribados por el viento u otros árboles, empleando el corazón (duramen), la cual es tallada y lijada a mano.

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Pterocarpus
seabean.com/guide/Pterocarpus_officinalis/
Pterocarpus officinalis Jacq.
SYNONYM(S) : Pterocarpus draco L., Pterocarpus rohrii Vahl
ENGLISH : Bloodwood, Dragon blood tree, Guadaloupe dragon's blood.
FRENCH : Mangle médaille (Antilles), Moutouchi (Guyane), Moutouchi-rivière, Sangdragon (Antilles).
SPANISH : Bollo blanco (Colombia), Lagunero, Palo de pollo (Puerto Rico), Palo de sangre, Sangre, Sangre de drago, Sangre de gallo.
====================
Nutzpflanzen und Pflanzennutzung im amazonischen Tiefland
Source

Genero correcto: Croton
Reino:Plantae
Filo:Magnoliophyta
Clase:Magnoliopsida
Orden:Euphorbiales
Familia:Euphorbiaceae
Género:Croton

Species: lechleri, salutaris, palanostigma
Synonyms: Croton draco
Common Names: Sangre de grado, sangre de drago, dragon’s blood, drago, sangue de drago, sangue de agua
Part Used: Bark, resin/sap
Fuente

MEDICINAL:- El látex de la SANGRE DE GRADO se usa principalmente como cicatrizante de heridas.- Esta planta actúa contra las úlceras estomacales, hinchazones reumáticas, afecciones dérmicas, fiebre, leucorrea, cáncer, diarrea, faringitis y amigdalitis, gonorrea, hemorroides, paludismo, tumores, anemia y úlceras estomacales e intestinales.- También se le utiliza como calmante en el sobreparto, luego de una extracción dental y como antiséptico vaginal.
AGROFORESTERÍA: En asociaciones de cultivos tales como el pijuayo, zapote y algunas especies maderables. Asimismo sirve como sombra de especies como el café y el cacao.
MADERA: Para la confección de cajones y mondadientes, y la pulpa para papel.
GENERALIDADES
La SANGRE DE GRADO se utiliza desde tiempos ancestrales en la medicina tradicional como un efectivo cicatrizante de heridas externas, contra las úlceras y otras enferemedades.En 1989 algunos científicos peruanos y norteamericanos analizaron la composición química de la planta y descubrieron el principio activo de la especie, el cual denominaron Taspina, que tiene la capacidad de propiciar la migración de fibroblastos en la piel, lo que acelera el proceso de cicatrización.
DISTRIBUCIÓN Y CULTIVO
La SANGRE DE GRADO crece en las ecorregiones de la Selva Alta y Selva Baja, tanto de manera silvestre como cultivada. Es una especie nativa, que ha sido introducida a otros países como especie ornamental.Desarrolla en climas tropical y subtropical hasta los 2,000 msnm, en suelos arcillosos a arenosos, con buen drenaje, buena aireación, y moderadamente ácidos o alcalinos. Se propaga por semillas, las mismas que deben ser sembradas al inicio de la época de lluvias.
MORFOLOGÍA
DESCRIPCIÓN: La SANGRE DE GRADO es un árbol de copa amplia y redondeada, cuya corteza, de color gris blanquecino, exuda un látex de color vino que es utilizado por la industria farmacéutica.
HOJAS: Sus hojas son alternas y cordadas, y alcanzan los 20 cm de largo y 14 de ancho.
INFLORESCENCIA: Posee una inflorescencia terminal en forma de racimos, y presenta flores de color ámbar con numerosos estambres.
FRUTOS: Sus frutos, de forma capsular, miden 3 mm de largo por 4.5 mm de ancho.
SEMILLAS: Las semillas de la SANGRE DE GRADO son lisas y su endosperma es oleaginoso.
Nombres Comunes :
- Sangre de drago, Palo de grado, Sangre de dragón.- Irare, Jimi mosho, Shawan karo (en shipibo-conibo).- Pocure, Racurana, Uksavakiro, Widnku (en amarakaeri).

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HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
Main Actions	Other Actions	Standard Dosage
heals wounds	kills cancer cells	Resin
stops bleeding	prevents tumor growth	Internal: 10 to 15 drops
kills bacteria	stops mutations	twice daily
kills germs		Éxternal: Apply to affected
kills fungi		area twice daily
kills viruses
relieves diarrhea
reduces inflammation
relieves itching

Sangre de grado is a medium-sized to large tree that grows from 10–20 m high in the upper Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Although tall, the trunk is usually less than 30 cm in diameter and is covered by smooth, mottled bark. It has large, heart-shaped, bright-green leaves and unique, greenish-white flowers on long stalks. Its Peruvian name, sangre de grado, means “blood of the dragon” (in Spanish). In Ecuador, it’s named sangre de drago (which means “dragon’s blood” as well). When the trunk of the tree is cut or wounded, a dark red, sappy resin oozes out as if the tree is bleeding—earning this local name. The genus Croton is a large one, with 750 species of trees and shrubs distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. Crotons are rich in active alkaloids, and several species are well-known medicinal plants used as purgatives and tonics.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Sangre de grado's red sap or latex (and also its bark) has a long history of indigenous use in the rainforest and in South America. The earliest written reference dates its use to the 1600s, when Spanish naturalist and explorer P. Bernabé Cobo found that the curative power of the sap was widely known throughout the indigenous tribes of Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. For centuries, the sap has been painted on wounds to staunch bleeding, to accelerate healing, and to seal and protect injuries from infection. The sap dries quickly and forms a barrier, much like a "second skin." It is used externally by indigenous tribes and local people in Peru for wounds, fractures, and hemorrhoids, internally for intestinal and stomach ulcers, and as a douche for vaginal discharge. Other indigenous uses include treating intestinal fevers and inflamed or infected gums, in vaginal baths before and after childbirth, for hemorrhaging after childbirth, and for skin disorders.

Sangre de grado resin and bark are used in traditional medicine in South America today in much the same manner as indigenous ones. In Peruvian herbal medicine it is recommended for hemorrhaging, as an antiseptic vaginal douche and, topically, for healing wounds. It is also used internally for ulcers in the mouth, throat, intestines and stomach; as an antiviral for upper respiratory viruses, stomach viruses and HIV; internally and externally for cancer and, topically, for skin disorders, insect bites and stings. In Brazilian traditional medicine the sap currently is used for wounds, hemorrhaging, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and as a general tonic.

PLANT CHEMICALS

Sangre de grado resin or sap is a storehouse of phytochemicals including proanthocyanidins (antioxidants), simple phenols, diterpenes, phytosterols, and biologically active alkaloids and lignans Scientists have attributed many of the biologically active properties of the sap (especially its wound-healing capacity) to two main "active" constituents: an alkaloid named taspine, and a lignan named dimethylcedrusine.

Of course, botanists, herbalists, and naturopaths would disagree with such reductionist conclusions (and often do); in this particular case, the matter is actually proven by science. Noted author and ex-USDA economic botanist Dr. James Duke summed this up eloquently, saying, "I like the comments on dragon's blood, and would add one further note: in addition to the proanthocyanadins (including Pycnogenol) and taspine, there's another active ingredient - dimethylcedrusine. While each of these alone - dimethylcedrusine, Pycnogenol and taspine - was shown to effectively heal wounded rats (with squares of skin exfoliated, i.e., peeled off) by European scientists, the whole dragon's blood was shown to speed healing four times faster. The whole was better than the sum of its parts. Synergy makes the whole herb stronger; diversity makes the rainforest stronger."

The taspine alkaloid from sangre de grado was first documented with anti-inflammatory actions in 1979. In 1985 taspine was documented with anti-inflammatory, antitumorous (against sarcomas), and antiviral actions.

The main plant chemicals in sangre de grado include: alpha-calacorene, alpha-copaene, alpha-pinene, alpha-thujene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-elemene, beta-pinene, betaine, bincatriol, borneol, calamenene, camphene, catechins, cedrucine, crolechinic acid, cuparophenol, D-limonene, daucosterol, dihydrobenzofuran, dimethylcedrusine, dipentene, eugenol, euparophenol, gallocatechin, gamma-terpinene, gamma-terpineol, hardwickiic acid, isoboldine, korberin A & B, lignin, linalool, magnoflorine, methylthymol, myrcene, norisoboldine, p-cymene, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, resin, tannin, taspine, terpinen-4-ol, and vanillin.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

The wound-healing action of sangre de grado resin was first related to the taspine alkaloid in 1989. Several later studies also concentrated on the wound-healing and antitumorous properties of taspine. The lignan dimethylcedrusine was isolated by scientists in 1993 and was shown to play a central role in sangre de grado's effective wound-healing action. This Belgian study revealed that the crude resin stimulated contraction of wounds, helped in the formation of a crust/scab at the wound site, regenerated skin more rapidly, and assisted in the formation of new collagen. This was the study to which Dr. Duke referred in documenting that the crude resin was found to be four times more effective at wound healing and collagen formation than its isolated chemicals (and healed wounds 10-20 times faster than using nothing at all).

The Belgian scientists also determined that taspine was active against herpes virus in this study. In 1994 other phytochemicals were found, including phenolic compounds, proanthocyanadins, and diterpenes, which showed potent antibacterial activity (against E. coli and Bacillus subtilis) as well as wound-healing properties. Another study documented sangre de grado's antioxidant effects and researchers in Canada documented its antifungal properties. Another important traditional use of the sap was verified by clinical research in a 2000 study designed to evaluate its gastrointestinal effects. Researchers concluded that "Sangre de grado is a potent, cost-effective treatment for gastrointestinal ulcers and distress via antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sensory afferent-dependent actions." In 2002, these same researchers reported that sangre de grado evidenced an in vitro effect against stomach cancer and colon cancer cells as well. In 2003 Italian researchers reported that the resin inhibited the growth of a human myelogenous leukemia cell line and also prevented cells from mutating in test tube studies.

Extracts of sangre de grado have demonstrated antiviral activity against influenza, parainfluenza, herpes simplex viruses I and II, and hepatitis A and B. The antiviral and anti-diarrhea properties of sangre de grado have come to the attention of the pharmaceutical industry over the last 10 years. A U.S.-based pharmaceutical company has filed patents on three pharmaceutical preparations that contain antiviral constituents and novel chemicals (a group of plant flavonoids they've named SP-303), extracted from the bark and resin of sangre de grado. Their patented drugs include an oral product for the treatment of respiratory viral infections, a topical antiviral product for the treatment of herpes, and an oral product for the treatment of persistent diarrhea. These products have been the subject of various human clinical trials. Although the immunomodulating effects of sangre de grado have not been the subject of targeted research yet, some researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities may provide nonspecific immune enhancement effects as well.

More recently, several scientific tests have been conducted on a proprietary sangre de grado product (made into a skin balm) which was also based on traditional uses. They reported that in pest control workers, a sangre de grado balm was preferred over placebo, for the relief of itching, pain, discomfort, swelling, and redness in response to wasps, fire ants, mosquitoes, bees, cuts, abrasions, and allergic plant reactions (poison ivy and others). Subjects reported relief within minutes, and that it provided pain relief and alleviated symptoms (itching and swelling) for up to six hours. These reported effects in humans as well as several other tests they conducted in animals and in vitro models of inflammation led them to conclude that sangre de grado prevents pain sensation by blocking the activation of nerve fibers that relay pain signals to the brain (therefore functioning as a broad-acting pain killer) as well as blocks the tissue response to a chemical released by nerves that promotes inflammation.

CURRENT PRACTICAL USES

Research has confirmed many of the indigenous uses of this powerful rainforest plant. It is a wonderful, sustainable rainforest resource that warrants consumer attention as it becomes more widely available in the marketplace. Applied directly to the affected area, it is helpful for all types of cuts, scrapes, external wounds, bites, stings, rashes, and skin problems, including skin and nail fungi. Dr. James E. Williams, O.M.D., sums up sangre de grado's many uses by natural health practitioners, stating,

"There is a wide range of potential applications for sangre de grado, including as a broad-spectrum anti-diarrheal agent from causes such as side effects of drugs, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, microbial infections of the intestine, traveler's diarrhea, and viral-induced diarrhea as in AIDS. It may also have other uses in gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative diseases. Its cytotoxic effects make it a possible antitumor agent and its cicatrizant properties provide wound-healing potential. In addition, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of sangre de grado make it a useful compound in the clinical treatment of chronic viral diseases and as a natural antibacterial agent."

In addition, several health practitioners in the U.S. indicate benefits in using sangre de grado resin internally for diabetic neuropathy because of its previously documented effects on nerve endings, nerve pain and nerve inflammation. Benefits have also been reported with diabetes-related skin ulcers and sores (applied topically) which have refused to heal using other methods.

SANGRE DE GRADO PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method: undiluted resin is taken internally (in small amount of juice/water) or applied topically Main Actions (in order):
wound healer, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding)
Main Uses:

to stop bleeding and to seal, and heal wounds, burns, cuts, tooth extractions

for herpes virus ulcers (taken internally and applied topically)

for skin fungi, rashes, and dermatitis

for insect bites, poison ivy and other itchy or allergic skin reactions

for stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, dysentery and diarrhea

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:
anesthetic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidysenteric, antifungal, antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), antileukemic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antitumorous, antiviral, neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain), wound healer Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:
analgesic (pain-reliever), anticancerous, anti-itch, antiulcerous, astringent, blood cleanser
Cautions: The red resin stains clothes/fabric permanently.

Traditional Preparation: For external use, the resin/sap is rubbed directly on the affected area several times daily and allowed to dry. Please note: the resin is red! It will temporarily stain the skin a reddish-brown (which will wash off), but it will permanently stain clothing. Rubbing the resin in the palm of the hand first or directly where applied will thicken the resin into a thin, lighter colored paste, which helps form a second skin on top of a wound or rash and reduces staining. For internal use, the traditional remedy is 10-15 drops in a small amount of liquid, taken 1-3 times daily (be prepared, however; it tastes quite dreadful).

Contraindications: None reported. Drug Interactions: None reported.

WORLDWIDE ETHNOMEDICAL USES
Brazil	for bacterial infections, blood cleansing, cancer, digestive disorders, fever, fungal infections, hemorrhages, stomach ulcers, tumors, ulcer (mouth), wounds, and for its astringent (drying) effects.
Dominican Republic	for wounds, and to stop bleeding
Ecuador	for cancer, inflammation, wounds
Mexico	for fever, infected gums, wounds
Peru	for cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, eczema, fractures, fungal infections, gastrointestinal problems, hemorrhages, hemorrhoids, infections, infected gums, insect bites, laryngitis, rheumatism, skin rashes, skin cancer, throat problems, toothache, tumors, ulcers (intestinal, mouth, and stomach), vaginitis, vaginal infections, vaginal discharge, wounds, and as an antiseptic
U.S	for cancer, diabetic neuropathy, eczema, fungal infections (skin, nail & foot), hemorrhages, inflammation, insect bites, itching, pain, rashes, ulcers (intestinal, mouth, skin, and stomach), wounds, and as an antiseptic

The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted © 2005 All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, including websites, without written permission.

A complete Technical Data Report is available for this plant.

† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease. Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database file and web site.

Reference Quotes on Sangre de Grado

Article: South American tree sap is a pain killer, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic, Natural Science May 15, 2000:
"Dr. John Wallace of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine predicts that every medicine cabinet and first aid kit in North America will one day be stocked with medicines containing the sap of the South American tree Croton lechleri.

Known as Sangre de Grado, Spanish for "Blood of the Dragon," because of its thick red sap, Croton lechleri grows throughout the Amazon. Its sap has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples of the Amazon as a herbal medicine to treat wounds, ease pain and relieve gastrointestinal distress. Wallace and his research team are conducting experimental research on Sangre de Grado as a potent inhibitor of inflammation and pain.

“Not only does Sangre de Grado prevent pain sensation, it also blocks the tissue response to a chemical released by nerves that promotes inflammation. There is currently no other substance that we know of that shares these same activities,” says Wallace. In laboratory tests, Wallace’s research team has demonstrated that Sangre de Grado blocks the activation of nerve fibers that relay pain signals to the brain, therefore functioning as a broad-acting pain killer.

In a clinical trial performed with pest control workers in Louisiana, a balm made from Sangre de Grado was found to provide relief from the bites and stings of a wide variety of insects within 90 seconds. The study further shows that Sangre de Grado offers pain relief and alleviated symptoms - itching and swelling - for up to six hours. Similar types of pain and inflammation can occur in the gastrointestinal tract - with gastritis, ulcer disease and infectious diarrhea. Wallace says, “We find that in animals with these conditions, the sap promotes gastrointestinal healing.”

Sangre de Grado has antibacterial actions, showing excellent promise as a first aid treatment for insect bites and stings, lacerations and even burns. Wallace, who performed these studies in collaboration with researchers at Albany Medical College in Albany, NY, says that isolation of the active ingredient in Sangre de Grado could lead to new therapies for a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including asthma, arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

This research is supported by the Medical Research Council and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research."

The Green Pharmacy, James A. Duke, Rodale 1997
"Dragon's blood (Croton lechleri). Several compounds in it, among them dimethylcedrusine and taspine, have antiviral and wound-healing properties that may be especially useful against the viral sores caused by herpes. The natural mixture of all three coumpounds heals wounds four times faster than the individual compounds alone. I use dragon's blood when I get cuts or abrasions in tropical Peru. Unfortunately, this herb is not widely available in the United States, although I expect that it will be soon. It is applied externally."

10. "Croton lechieri Muell.-Arg. Euphorbiaceae. "Sangre de drago", "Sangre de grado", "Dragon's blood". The latex is used to heal wounds, and for vaginal baths before childbirth. It is also recommended for intestinal and stomach ulcers (RVM). It yields the hemostatic sap that accelerates wound healing (NIC). For leucorrhea, fractures, and piles (RAR)."

17."The sangre de grado tree was only a few minutes beyond. A tall slender tree, with smooth pale bark, it didn't look at all juicy, but when Dona Luisa slashed it wtih her machete, sap the color and consistency of blood flowed as from a wound. I was elated as I held a cup to catch the liquid. I'd wanted it for so long! This I knew was a most effective hemostatic agent; it was one of the plants the pharmaceutical company wanted especially, the one I'd used externally to stop the bleeding from a bad cut on my arm. The medicine I had seen given by mouth to stop internal bleeding in a woman hemorrhaging after childbirth. I knew this one could save lots of lives."
"Two of the plants had been scientifically identified for me by a Peruvian botanist who spent a day or two at the hotel. They were among the more important plant medicines, I thought. And the sangre de grado, which taken by mouth stops internal bleeding of a wound and applied externally disinfects and stops bleeding of a wound, was a Euphorbiacea, Croton salutaris; C.planostigma Klotzch."

================================ Source

Sangre de drago (grado) or "blood of the dragon" is the latex-like sap that comes from the Croton species of tree that grows throughout the Amazon rainforests of Peru and Ecuador. This medicinal sap used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon for the treatment of various ailments that include diarrhea, ulcers in the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines, upper respiratory viruses, cancer, as well as topically to heal wounds has slowly been getting more attention from mainstream medicine. Over the last ten years several studies conducted by the University of Calgary, the Albany Medical Center and several others have pointed to concrete documented evidence that sangre de drago is a medicinal power house of phytochemicals.
Dr. Mark Miller of the Albany Medical Center conducted a study on treating stomach ulcers in rats with sangre de drago. The conclusions that he and his colleagues found are incredible. Out of three groups induced with ulcers, two groups of rats, through their drinking water, ingested the sangre de drago in different concentrations (1:1,000 and 1:10,000 dilutions) and one group was used as a control. Both the bacterial content and size of the ulcers in the two groups of rats treated with sangre de drago was greatly reduced at both concentrations. It was also found that sangre de drago greatly inhibits the inflammation of nerve endings and the creation of Myeloperoxidase, an enzyme in white blood cells that is linked to inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Though this wonderful sap from the rainforest contains a number of beneficial phytochemicals, the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of sangre de drago can be attributed to two main chemicals. These two chemical compounds are Taspine, an alkaloid that has been documented as anti-inflammatory, antitumorous, and antiviral, and Dimethylcedrusine, a lignan that plays a central role in sangre de drago's wound-healing capabilities. In a study done in Belgium, it was found that the healing properties of the raw sangre de drago resin were four times more effective at forming collagen and healing wounds than the administration of the isolated chemicals. When sangre de drago resin was smeared onto a sterile plate, allowed to dry and then doused with E. Coli bacteria the bacteria promptly died versus a similar plate treated with the antibiotic ampicillin.
Sangre de drago has so many benefits that it is hard to cover all of it within the scope of just one article. Between its internal and external uses it has been used for over thirty-one different ailments, and its uses keep growing in popularity. This sap from the Amazon rainforest is truly a miracle of nature and the more it becomes known to the masses, the better.
Research and references
Treatment of gastric ulcers and diarrhea with the Amazonian herbal medicine sangre de grado
http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/con...
Tapping The Powers Of The Amazon
http://www.amc.edu/PR/resources/Alb...
Doubling up on discoveries: U of C researchers identify the problem, then the cure
http://gauntlet.ucalgary.ca/story/2713

Sangre de Drago Database
http://www.rain-tree.com/sangre.htm
Sangre De Drago
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-...

The Dragon's Blood Tree with Extraordinary Medicinal Properties
http://medicinal-plants.suite101.co...
About the author
Zephyr Faegen is first and foremost an individual who believes that the only way to instill real change is to go to the roots of the populace and instill real knowledge. A dedicated naturapath Zephyr has spent extensive time studying alternative toxin free living and the benefits of Naturopathic and Homeopathic medicine over Allopathic symptom based medicine. To view more of Zephyr's work and get current news please visit: http://www.apollonewsdaily.com

Quelle

Frischer Drachenbaumsaft übernimmt sehr oft die Funktion eines natürlichen Wundpflasters. Direkt auf Verletzungen wie Schürf- oder Schnittwunden aufgetragen, trocknet die Flüssigkeit rasch und bildet einen rötlichen Film aus. Der Saft verschließt die Wunde wie eine zweite Haut und schützt dadurch vor dem Eindringen von Keimen. In dem Baumsaft ist außerdem das seltene Alkaloid Taspin enthalten, das die Wundheilung unterstützt. Der entzündungshemmende Effekt des Alkaloids wurde wissenschaftlich nachgewiesen. Zudem konnte in verschiedenen Studien renommierter Universitäten bewiesen werden, dass Drachenblut die Schorfbildung unterstützt, zur Regeneration der Haut beiträgt und die Bildung von neuem Gewebe fördert. Zur Stimulierung der Magen-Darm-Tätigkeit wird Sangre de Drago ebenfalls seit langem eingesetzt. Außerdem findet das Drachenblut Verwendung bei der Mund- und Zahnhygiene und bei der Kariesprophylaxe.
Die Amazonasbevölkerung weiß schon seit Jahrhunderten um die besonderen Eigenschaften von Sangre de Drago. Erstmals schriftlich erwähnt wurde das Baumharz bereits um 1600. Heute findet der Sangre-Saft weltweit Beachtung und ist besonders für die medizinische Forschung interessant. Vor allem der unverdünnte Saft hat großes Potenzial in Bezug auf die entzündungshemmende und die Wundheilung fördernde Wirkung.
Die einheimische Bevölkerung gewinnt das Drachenblut aus den Baumstämmen hauptsächlich während der Regenzeit. Es ist nicht notwendig, die Bäume zu fällen, um Sangre de Drago abzuzapfen. Nachhaltig genutzt werden kann der Saft, wenn die Baumrinde V-förmig eingekerbt wird. Der austretende Rindensaft lässt sich dann gut auffangen. Auch aus umgestürzten Bäumen kann noch Drachenblut gewonnen werden. Da Drachenblutbäume in der Amazonasregion weit verbreitet sind und sich durch schnelles Wachstum auszeichnen, ist bei nachhaltiger Bewirtschaftung kein Versorgungsengpass an Sangre de Drago zu befürchten.
Der Baumsaft kann sowohl äußerlich als auch innerlich zu Anwendung kommen. Dabei erfolgt die Behandlung entweder mit verdünntem oder unverdünntem Drachenblut. Bei Verletzungen oder Insektenstichen wird das altbewährte Mittel beispielsweise unverdünnt aufgestrichen. Gleiches gilt zur Behandlung entzündlicher Prozesse im Mundraum, zum Beispiel bei Entzündungen des Zahnfleischs. Nur wenige Tropfen werden ein- oder zweimal täglich über mehrere Tage hinweg direkt auf den betroffenen Bereich aufgetragen. Zur Förderung der Tätigkeit des Magen-Darm-Trakts gibt man dagegen drei bis fünf Tropfen Sangre de Drago in ein Glas mit Wasser und trinkt diese Mischung ein- bis zweimal am Tag. Beim Einnehmen oder Auftragen des sanften Pflanzenmittels ist – anders als bei vielen synthetischen Arzneimitteln - mit keinerlei Beeinträchtigungen oder unangenehmen Nebenwirkungen zu rechnen. Deshalb ergänzt Sangre de Drago ideal die Hausapotheke und gehört in jedes Erste-Hilfe-Set.
Vorsicht: Sangre de Drago ist sehr stark färbend. Ich habe bisher noch keine Möglichkeit gefunden, Flecken aus der Kleidung wieder zu entfernen.
Ich hatte mir eine Schnittwunde am Fuß zugezogen, die nicht heilte, sich entzündete und beim Laufen schmerzte . Abends betupfte ich die Wunde mit Sangre de Drago (Wattestäbchen sind sehr gut geeignet) und klebte ein Heftpflaster darüber. Bereits am nächsten Morgen war die Wunde verschlossen und die Entzündung geheilt. Auch die Schmerzen waren Vergangenheit.
Kürzlich hat mir Sangre de Drago hervorragend bei heftigen Zahnschmerzen geholfen. Nachdem ich den schmerzenden Zahn mit dem Drachenblutsaft eingerieben habe, waren am nächsten Morgen die Zahnschmerzen vollständig verschwunden.

Tropical plants with economic value

2011-04-10T14:50:00.000-04:00

suggested for specific pests
Source:Non-chemical insecticides, recipes by anthromes
Underexploited Tropical Plants with Promising Economic Value

Azorella compacta

2010-08-21T18:39:00.000-04:00

Yareta, un arbusto de 1000 años por metro de extensión

Yareta
Yareta en lomas del Nevado Coropuna, Perú
Clasificación científica
Reino:	Plantae
División:	Magnoliophyta
Clase:	Dicotiledónea Magnoliopsida
Orden:	Apiales
Familia:	Apiaceae
Subfamilia:	Azorelloideae
Género:	Azorella
Especie:	A. compacta
Nombre binomial
Azorella compacta Phil. 1891

La Llareta o yareta, Azorella compacta, (antes Azorella yareta) es una especie fanerógama de la familia Apiaceae; nativa de Sudamérica, en la Puna de los Andes en Perú, Bolivia, Chile, oeste de Argentina, entre 3.200 a 4.500 msnm.

Yareta es una siempreverde perennifolio. Las flores rosadas o lavandas son hermafroditas (tiene órganos masculinos y femeninos) y son polinizados por insectos. La planta es autógama.

Prefiere suelo arenoso liviano, y bien drenado. Crece en medios nutricionalmente pobres, no importanco si hay acidez, neutro o básico (alcalino). Está bien adaptado a insolación alta típica de las alturas, no crece a la sombra. Crece en matas bien densas, de modo de reducir pérdidas de calor, y muy cerca del suelo donde las Tº del aire son de 1 o 2 ºC más altas que las del aire, debido a que la radiación de onda larga reirradiada por el suelo (que es usualmente negro grisáceo a negro, en la Puna)

Uralte Lebensformen: Mehr als 2000 Jahre auf dieser Welt

spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke
http://xenmate.blogspot.com/2009/10/yareta.html

Yareta en flor

Simarouba glauca

2010-07-02T13:59:00.001-04:00

Fuente
Source
aceituno de Guanacaste

Simarouba glauca
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Simaroubaceae
Genus:	Simarouba
Species:	S. glauca
Binomial name
*Simarouba glauca* DC., 1811^[1]

Paradise Tree is a species of flowering tree that is native to Florida in the United States, southern Mexico, Central America, and the Greater Antilles.

Common names include Paradise Tree, Aceituno, and Bitterwood.^[1]

Its seeds produce an edible oil.

The tree is well suited for warm, humid, tropical regions. Its cultivation depends on rainfall distribution, water holding capacity of the soil and sub-soil moisture. It is suited for temperature range of 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F). It can grow at elevations from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It grows 40 to 50 ft (12 to 15 m) tall and has a span of 25 to 30 ft (7.6 to 9.1 m). It bears yellow flowers and oval elongated purple colored fleshy fruits.

Árbol natural de todas aquellas zonas en donde predomina una estación seca y caliente bien definida de más de 4 meses por año. Es un árbol más bien pequeño, con ramas pocas y cortas que conforman una copa redondeada. Las hojas erectas y abundantes le confieren al follaje una textura “crespa” muy notable a la vista. El nombre de aceituno se debe a que produce frutos carnosos que al madurar se tornan negros y son idénticos a los del olivo europeo (Olea europaea ), pero no hay ninguna relación entre ambas especies. Los frutos del aceituno nativo son muy apetecidos por la fauna silvestre y también pueden ser comidos por las personas aunque su sabor es astringente. El aceituno es de muy rápido crecimiento y mantiene su follaje verde durante todo el año.

Hevea brasiliensis

2009-10-17T23:06:00.003-04:00

El árbol del caucho, siringa o seringueira (en portugués) es un árbol de la familia de las euforbiáceas, de 20 a 30 m de altura. El tronco es recto y cilíndrico de 30 a 60 cm de diámetro, de madera blanca y liviana. Sus hojas son compuestas trifoliadas, alternas, de 16 cm de longitud, por 6 a 7 cm de ancho; deja caer parcialmente las hojas durante la estación seca, antes de lo cual las hojas de la copa del árbol se tornan de color rojizo. Las flores son pequeñas y reunidas en amplias panículas. Frutos: produce desde los 4 años, cada uno de los cuales es una gran cápsula de 4 cm de diámetro que se abre en valvas, con semillas ricas en aceite.
Su látex es blanco o amarillento y abundante hasta los 25 años de edad del árbol. De él se fabrica el caucho, luego de "sangrar" el tronco mediante incisiones angulares en V. Este látex contiene 30 a 36% de hidrocarburo del caucho, 0,5% de cenizas, 1,5% de proteínas, 2% de resina y 0,5% de quebrachitol. El caucho también puede obtenerse del látex de otros árboles del género Hevea (v.g. H. guianensis y H. pauciflora).
Este árbol es originario de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Amazonas, donde existía en abundancia y con exclusividad, características que generaron el auge o fiebre del caucho, periodo de la historia sudamericana de mucha riqueza y pujanza para empresarios que se asentaron en la región amazónica y a la vez de desastre para la población indígena, hasta que los ingleses se apoderaron del lucrativo negocio, al sacar el botánico Henry A. Wickham ilegalmente de Brasil semillas de este árbol, en 1876, para establecer plantaciones en Malasia, Birmania, Ceilán y África subsahariana. Para 1914 la cantidad de caucho obtenido de plantaciones ya superaba la extraída de árboles silvestres.

The Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), often simply called rubber tree, is a tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae and the most economically important member of the genus Hevea. It is of major economic importance because its sap-like extract (known as latex) can be collected and is the primary source of natural rubber.
In the wilderness, the tree can reach a height of up to 144 feet (44 m). The white or yellow latex occurs in latex vessels in the bark, mostly outside the phloem. These vessels spiral up the tree in a right-handed helix which forms an angle of about 30 degrees with the horizontal, and can grow as high as 45 ft.
In plantations, the trees are kept smaller, up to 78 feet (24 m) tall, so as to use most of the available carbon dioxide for latex production.^[1]
The tree requires a climate with heavy rainfall and without frost.
History
The Pará rubber tree initially grew only in the Amazon Rainforest. Increasing demand and the discovery of the vulcanization procedure in 1839 led to the rubber boom in that region, enriching the cities of Belém and Manaus. The name of the tree derives from Pará, the second largest Brazilian state, whose capital is Belém.
These trees were used to obtain rubber by the Olmec people of Mesoamerica as early as 3600 years ago. The rubber was used, among other things, to make the balls used in the Mesoamerican ballgame. There had been an attempt made, in 1873, to grow rubber outside Brazil. After some effort, twelve seedlings were germinated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. These were sent to India for cultivation, but died. A second attempt was then made, some 70,000 seeds being smuggled to Kew in 1875, by Henry Wickman, at the service of the British Empire ^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]. About 4% of these germinated, and in 1876 about 2000 seedlings were sent, in Wardian cases, to Ceylon, and 22 sent to the Botanic Gardens in Singapore. Once established outside its native country, rubber was extensively propagated in the British colonies. Rubber trees were brought to the botanical gardens at Buitenzorg, Java in 1883.^[6] By 1898, a rubber plantation had been established in Malaya, and today most rubber tree plantations are in South and Southeast Asia and some also in tropical West Africa. Efforts to cultivate the tree in South America were unsatisfactory, because of blight.^[1]

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily:	Crotonoideae
Tribe:	Micrandreae
Subtribe:	Heveinae
Genus:	Hevea
Species:	H. brasiliensis

Binomial name

Hevea brasiliensis
Müll.Arg.

Ficus elastica

2009-10-17T21:23:00.003-04:00

A esta especie la llamo yo gomero extranjero!

Ficus elastica Roxb., es una especie botánica de planta perennifolia del género de los higos, nativa del nordeste de India (Assam), sur de Indonesia (Sumatra y Java). Fue introducida en Europa en 1815 como planta de interior.
Nombre común
Ficus de hoja grande, árbol del caucho, ficus decora, árbol de la goma, gomero, higuera del caucho, higuera cauchera
Descripción
Árbol grande del grupo de los Ficus epífitos, alcanzando 30-40 m (raramente 60 m) de altura, con un tronco macizo irregular, de 2 m de diámetro, que desarrolla raíces aéreas y contrafuertes para anclarlo al suelo y ayudar a soportar las pesadas ramas casi horizontales. Hojas anchas, brillantes, ovales, de 10-35 cm de largo y 5-15 cm de ancho; ese tamaño es mayor en plantas jóvenes (ocasionalmente de 45 cm de largo), mucho más pequeñas en viejos ejemplares (típicamente de 1 dm de largo). Las hojas desarrollan una vaina en el meristema apical, que va creciendo a medida que una nueva hoja crece. Cuando madura, se despliega y la vaina cae de la planta. Dentro de la nueva hoja, otra inmadura esperará para crecer. El látex del árbol se usa para hacer chicle goma.
Como en otros miembros del género Ficus, las flores requieren una particular especie de avispa del higo Agaonidae para polinizarse, en una relación de coevolución. Y debido a ella, este gomero no produce flores ni coloridas ni fragantes para atraer a otros polinizadores. El fruto es un higo pequeño, amarillo verdoso oval, de 1 cm de largo, apenas comestible; con solo una semilla viable, donde se presenta la relevante avispa.
Cultivo y usos
Ficus elastica se cultiva mundialmente como planta ornamental, fuera de climas helados, del trópico a regiones mediterráneas, y en climas gélidos como planta de interior. Aunque crece en Hawaii, la especie zoolótica de avispa del higo requerida para permitir su propagación por semilla no existe.
En cultivo, prefiere sol permamente, pero no altas temperaturas. Tolera bien sequía, pero prefiere humedad y sobrevive bien en condiciones mojadas y tropicales. Son más usadas las variedades híbridas derivadas de Ficus elastica Robusta con hojas mucho más grandes, más fuertes y más paradas. Muchas de esas formas existen, con hojas variegadas.
Al podarlo, se recomienda aplicar sobre el corte polvo de carbón o ceniza, para ayudar a cicatrizar la herida. Si el látex no coagula con prontitud la planta se daña.
La mayoría de las plantas cultivadas se producen por reproducción asexual. Generalmente se hace por plantado de esquejes o acodos aéreo. Este último método requiere del propagador hacer una hendidura en el tallo padre. La herida, que rezuma la savia látex, es tapada con un trapo y hormona de enraizamiento, junto con musgo de esfagno húmedo. Toda la estructura es sujetada con plástico y dejada por pocos meses. Cuando se destapa, nuevas raíces se desarrollaron de brotes auxiliares. El tallo es separado y la nueva planta se enmaceta.
Puede rendir abundante látex blanco, para hacer goma. Esta savia es muy irritante a los ojos y piel, y fatal si se la ingiere.

Ilustración de "Plantas Medicinales de Koehler, 1887

Hura crepitans

2008-09-10T15:11:00.001-04:00

El ochoó (Hura crepitans), también llamado jabillo, ceiba amarilla, solimán, es un árbol venenoso para los humanos, de la familia de las Euphorbiaceae.

Su carácter tóxico alcanza a los peces, por lo que se utiliza para atrapar peces intoxicados por su látex. Sin embargo, hay aves (loros) y monos que se alimentan de sus semillas, especialmente cuando están tiernas.

Los frutos pueden consumirse tostados, pues crudos son peligrosos por el látex de propiedades purgantes como la pichoga. El fruto es similar a una pequeña piña en forma de calabaza, con lóbulos alrededor que contienen las semillas en forma de disco del tamaño de altramuces aplanados, que están encerradas entre dos pequeñas valvas curvas de madera muy dura. Estas semillas maduran al llegar la época de lluvias y el agua, al mojarlas, las hace estallar en muchos pedazos, produciendo un ruido muy fuerte. El estallido lanza las semillas a grandes distancias, con lo que puede extenderse el área de difusión. Dicho estallido es el responsable de su nombre científico (el término crepitans hace referencia a este hecho). El tronco contiene numerosas púas puntiagudas, probablemente originadas por una especie de adaptación para evitar que ciertos animales puedan trepar a la copa del árbol.

Su madera es pesada y compacta y sus raíces son bastante superficiales y con contrafuertes, como sucede en muchas especies forestales de la zona intertropical.

Clasificación científica

Reino:	Plantae
División:	Magnoliophyta
Clase:	Magnoliopsida
Orden:	Malpighiales
Familia:	Euphorbiaceae
Subfamilia:	Euphorbioideae
Tribu:	Hureae
Género:	Hura L. 1753
Especie:	H. crepitans

Nombre binomial

Hura crepitans

Sinonimia

Hura brasiliensis Wild.

Hevea brasiliensis

2008-09-10T14:29:00.000-04:00

El árbol del caucho, siringa o seringueira (portugués) es un árbol de la familia de las euforbiáceas (Hevea brasiliensis), de 20 a 30 m de altura. El tronco es recto y cilíndrico de 30 a 60 cm de diámetro, de madera blanca y liviana. Sus hojas son compuestas trifoliadas, alternas, de 16 cm de longitud, por 6 a 7 cm de ancho; deja caer parcialmente las hojas durante la estación seca, antes de lo cual las hojas de la copa del árbol se tornan de color rojizo. Las flores son pequeñas y reunidas en amplias panículas. Frutos: produce desde los 4 años, cada uno de los cuales es una gran cápsula de 4 cm de diámetro que se abre en valvas, con semillas ricas en aceite.

Su látex es blanco o amarillento y abundante hasta los 25 años de edad del árbol. De él se fabrica el caucho, luego de "sangrar" el tronco mediante incisiones angulares en V. Este látex contiene 30 a 36% de hidrocarburo del caucho, 0,5% de cenizas, 1,5% de proteínas, 2% de resina y 0,5% de quebrachitol. El caucho también puede obtenerse del látex de otros árboles del género Hevea (v.g. H. guianensis y H. pauciflora).

Este árbol es originario de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Amazonas, donde existía en abundancia y con exclusividad, características que generaron el auge o fiebre del caucho, periodo de la historia sudamericana de mucha riqueza y pujanza para empresarios que se asentaron en la región amazónica y a la vez de desastre para la población indígena, hasta que los ingleses se apoderaron del lucrativo negocio, al sacar el botánico Henry A. Wickham ilegalmente de Brasil semillas de este árbol, en 1876, para establecer plantaciones en Malasia, Birmania, Ceilán y África subsahariana. Para 1914 la cantidad de caucho obtenido de plantaciones ya superaba la extraída de árboles silvestres.

Clasificación científica

Reino:	Plantae
División:	Magnoliophyta
Clase:	Magnoliopsida
Orden:	Malpighiales
Familia:	Euphorbiaceae
Género:	Hevea
Especie:	''Hevea brasiliensis L.

Genipa americana

2008-05-02T04:07:00.002-04:00

Bi
Huito o Jagua
Genipa

Kingdom: Plantae
Division:Magnoliophyta
Class:Magnoliopsida
Order:Gentianales
Family:Rubiaceae
Genus:Genipa
Species:G. americana