Luehea
StarLuehea speciosa
Synonyms: Luehea alternifolia, Swietenia alternifolia, Brotera maritima, Luehea speciosa var. laxiflora, Aubletia ulmifolia, Apeiba ulmifolia, Luehea ferruginea, Luehea tarapotina, Luehea densiflora, Cedrela alternifolia, Luehea platypetala, Luehea laxiflora, Luehea rufescens
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In neotropical folk medicine from Mexico and Central America into South America, the astringent, tannin-rich bark and the flowers of Luehea speciosa are used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, leukorrhoea and other gastrointestinal and gynaecological complaints, and are applied to wounds, skin infections and other dermatological conditions (Felger and others; ethnobotanical literature on Luehea).
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Botanical Description
Luehea speciosa, known in Spanish as caulote, guácimo or algodoncillo, is a small to medium-sized tree in the mallow family (Malvaceae, formerly placed in Tiliaceae) native to the neotropics, ranging from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. It typically grows 8 to 20 metres tall, with a spreading crown and grey, fibrous bark. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblong to ovate, toothed along the margins, dark green above and paler and softly hairy beneath. It bears showy, solitary or clustered flowers with five white to creamy or pale pink petals surrounding a prominent central tuft of numerous stamens. The flowers give way to woody, five-valved capsules that split open to release small winged seeds. It grows in tropical dry and moist forests, savannas, riverbanks and disturbed ground, and is valued for timber, as an ornamental and for its astringent, tannin-rich bark.
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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