Libidibia coriaria
StarLibidibia coriaria
Synonyms: Caesalpinia thomaea, Caesalpinia coriacea, Caesalpinia coriaria, Poinciana coriaria
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Caribbean and Latin American folk medicine the strongly astringent, tannin-rich pods of divi-divi are prepared as a decoction or infusion used as a gargle for sore throat and tonsillitis, taken for diarrhoea and dysentery, and applied as a wash for wounds and skin complaints (Useful Tropical Plants, 2025). The pods, bark and other parts are also a major commercial source of tannins for leather tanning and of a black dye, and the tree is widely planted for these purposes (Wikipedia, 2025).
Botanical Description
Libidibia coriaria (formerly Caesalpinia coriaria), known as divi-divi or cascalote, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the family Fabaceae, native to the dry tropics of the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. It typically reaches 6 to 10 metres in height, with a short, often twisted or leaning trunk, smooth greyish bark and a broad, spreading, flat-topped crown. The leaves are alternate and bipinnately compound, with several pairs of pinnae each bearing many small, oblong, glabrous leaflets, giving a fine, fern-like appearance. Small, fragrant, greenish-white to yellowish flowers are borne in dense axillary and terminal clusters and are attractive to bees. The most distinctive feature is the fruit, a curved, twisted or contorted indehiscent pod 3 to 8 centimetres long that turns dark reddish-brown at maturity; these pods are exceptionally rich in tannins. The tree is drought-tolerant and wind-shaped, often growing along coasts where prevailing winds bend it into a characteristic asymmetric form.
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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