Bowdichia virgilioides
StarBowdichia virgilioides
Synonyms: Bowdichia virgilioides f. major, Bowdichia densiflora, Bowdichia ferruginea, Bowdichia virgilioides f. ferruginea, Bowdichia sebipira, Bowdichia pubescens, Bowdichia kuhlmannii, Bowdichia virgilioides var. ferruginea, Bowdichia major var. fruticosa, Bowdichia floribunda, Bowdichia virgilioides var. glabrata, Bowdichia major, Bowdichia brevipes, Sebipira ferruginea, Sebipira major, Bowdichia virgilioides var. pubescens, Bowdichia virgilioides var. tomentosa, Bowdichia parvifolia, Bowdichia virgilioides f. villosa, Sebipira virgilioides
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Brazilian and broader South American folk medicine, Bowdichia virgilioides (sucupira-preta) bark and stem decoctions are taken for rheumatism, arthritis, skin eruptions, and as a general blood depurative; the macerated bark in cachaça or wine is a regional remedy across the cerrado (Agra et al., 2008; Lorenzi & Matos, 2008). Topical washes are used for ulcers and inflammatory skin conditions.
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Botanical Description
Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth (Fabaceae) is a deciduous tree of the South American cerrado and savannas, reaching 5–16 m with a crooked trunk and rough, deeply fissured corky bark. Leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, 10–20 cm long, with 9–17 elliptic to oblong leaflets that are leathery and minutely pubescent beneath. Inflorescences are showy terminal and axillary panicles bearing numerous violet to deep blue-purple papilionaceous flowers about 1 cm long, typically appearing on leafless branches at the end of the dry season. The fruit is a flat, indehiscent, oblong samaroid legume 4–7 cm long, brown at maturity and containing one to two seeds. The heartwood is dense, dark brown, and richly figured, valued as a durable timber known as sucupira-preta. The species ranges from Panama south through Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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