Fruit - raw or cooked. Thin-skinned and peculiarly odorous, with a white, juicy, oily pulp that varies in flavour from insipid to sweet, acid or cheese-like[ 303 ]. A very popular fruit, it is usually eaten out of hand, and is also cooked as a dessert, used in jams, soups, sherbets etc[ 301 , 307 ]. A refreshing drink, known as 'chicha', is obtained from the fermented fruits - it is very much relished by most Panamanians[ 551 ]. The orange-yellow round fruit is up to 5cm in diameter with a single, fairly large stone, containing 1-3 white seeds[ 303 , 307 ]. An edible fat is extracted from the fruit with boiling water[ 301 , 303 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The bark (probably the inner bark[ K ] is rich in tannins and has been used medicinally by many local peoples[ 303 ]. It is antidote, antiinflammatory, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge and purgative[ 303 , 348 ]. It has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion, diarrhoea and dysentery; pulmonary complaints; snakebites; fevers; cases of leucorrhoea; and to promote menstruation[ 303 , 348 ]. The bark has been used externally as a wash or poultice to treat wounds, skin infections, ulcers etc[ 303 , 348 ]. As a mouthwash it has been used to tighten the teeth where gums are diseased[ 303 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat high blood pressure[ 348 ]. The leaves are used as a wash to clean and soothe ulcers[ 348 ]. The brown powder from the under surface of the leaf is applied onto the cut end of the umbilical cord to prevent infection[ 348 ]. The sap from the bark and leaves is inserted into the orifice of the penis as a treatment for gonorrhoea[ 348 ]. The leaves contain various flavonoids, saponins and terpenes[ 348 ].

Other uses rating: Medium (3/5). Small flowering tree, backyard tree, Accent, Large planter, Small street tree, Xerophytic. Agroforestry Uses: The tree is well suited for the restoration of infertile and burned-over land[ 303 ]. It has a heavy leaf fall which helps to restore soil fertility[ 303 ]. Other Uses The bark contains 17-28 % tannin and 3 % oxalic acid. It is employed in tanning[ 303 , 307 ]. The fruit is high in tannin, especially when unripe and is sometimes used in dyeing. The fruit skin imparts a light-brown hue to cotton cloth[ 303 , 307 ]. An ink can be made from the bitter green fruit[ 307 ]. The bark yields a strong fibre[ 303 ]. The heartwood is a reddish or pinkish-brown; the thin band of sapwood is greyish. It is coarse-textured; close and cross-grained. The wood is heavy, hard, tough, strong, brittle, and only moderately durable. It takes a good polish. The wood is usually available only in small sizes; it is highly prized for boat ribs, and is used for tool handles, turnery, cabinetwork, furniture and small-scale construction[ 303 , 551 ]. In Brazil, the wood is chosen for the hot fire over which people smoke the stimulant paste of guaran' (Paullinia cupana) because the burning wood has a pleasant odour. In some areas, the wood is used for making a good quality charcoal[ 46 , 303 ]. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.

Special Uses