Davilla kunthii

A. St.-Hil.

Dilleniaceae Edible: Roots, Stems - water 222 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

A tropical tree in the Dilleniaceae family where the roots and stem water are edible.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The roots are eaten raw. Water from the stems is also consumed.

Traditional Uses

The roots are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant is antiseptic and tonic. An infusion is used as a treatment for back pain. The leaves and stems are boiled with water and used as a beverage, for treating impotence or as a treatment for back pain. The wood and the leaves are boiled, and the water drunk as an analgesic for back pain. The sap is used as abortive. The wood is used as an aphrodisiac. The bark is used to disinfect the umbilical cord of newborn babies.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Central America, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, South America,

Other Uses

The tough, flexible stems are used for tying the framework of native huts. The heavy, very rough leaves contain much silica and are often used like sandpaper, and also for cleaning pots and dishes. A black dye is obtained from the bark.

Synonyms

Davilla aspera (Aubl.) BenoistDavilla aspera var. tenuis BenoistDavilla asperrima Splitg.Davilla densa J.F.Macbr.Davilla lucida C.PreslDavilla lucida var. tenuis EichlerDavilla multiflora var. acutangula EichlerDavilla ovata C.PreslDavilla pseudo-rugosa Glaz.Davilla rugosa var. capitata RusbyDavilla rugosa var. martii EichlerDavilla surinamensis Miq.Davilla tenuis EichlerDelima tigarea (DC.) EichlerHieronia scabra Vell.Tetracera aspera (Aubl.) Willd.Tetracera calophylla GilgTetracera rugosa Kunth ex Schltdl.Tetracera tigarea DC.Tigarea aspera Aubl.

Also Known As

Chaaco, Chaparo, Chaparro, Cipo-caboclo, Hejuco de agua, Kwagi, Lambrador, Lengua de vaca, Levisa, Oregano de marte, Paujil chaqui, Saragosa, Si-hob, Yojueme

References (3)

Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 195
Kelloff, C. L., et al, 2011, Smithsonian Plant Collections, Guyana: 1995–2004, Smithsonian Contributions to Botany No. 97. p
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 299