Styrax ferrugineus

Nees & Mart.

Styracaceae Edible: Fruit 132 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

An evergreen tree. It grows 7-14 m tall. The crown is round and dense. The trunk is slightly crooked and 20-30 cm across. The fruit are 1 cm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible.

Medicinal Uses

A balsamic resin obtained from the trunk can be used as a substitute for styrax or benzoin (Styrax benzoin and Styrax officinale). These uses are as follows:- Benzoin gum contains variable quantities of cinnamic, benzoic and sumaresinolinic acid esters; free acids such as benzoic acid; benzaldehyde and vanillin. The gum is strongly antiseptic, carminative, expectorant and astringent. In Chinese medicine it is considered to be a circulatory stimulant. Taken internally, the gum acts to settle griping pains, to stimulate coughing and to disinfect the urinary tract. It is used in the treatment of coughs, colds, bronchitis, sore throats. In the form of a tincture, benzoin is inhaled with steam for the relief of catarrh, laryngitis, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract disorders It is used externally on wounds and ulcers to tighten and disinfect the affected tissue. It is also used for the prevention and treatment of cold sores, for the treatment of warts and to freshen and soothe dry skin and ameliorate skin allergies.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in savannah.

Where It Grows

Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, South America,

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Newly planted young trees grow away slowly.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow the seed in individual containers in light shade. Germination rates are usually low, with the seed taking a long time to sprout. Seedlings grow away slowly, taking more than 11 months from germination to being ready to plant out.

Other Uses

An aromatic resin is obtained from the trunk when it is tapped. It is used as an incense in religious ceremonies. The wood is moderately heavy, moderately hard, with poor mechanical properties and of low durability when exposed. It is used in construction, internal works, making, boxes, toys, light utensils etc. The wood is used for fuel and making charcoal. The tree is sometimes used in mixed reforestation schemes in dry areas and on poor soils.

Also Known As

Laranjinha-do-cerrado

References (3)

Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/
Lorenzi,
Peres, M. K., 2011, Diasporos do Cerrado Atrativos para Fauna: Chave Interativa Caracterizacao Visual e Relacoes Ecologicas. Masters thesis. Universidade de Brasilia.