Lecythis minor

Jacq.

Coco de mono

Lecythidaceae Edible: Oil, Seed Potential hazards — see below

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Description

Lecythis minor is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Oil. Seed - raw or roasted. An excellent flavour. The seed is rich in oil, protein and B vitamins.

Known Hazards

In some areas the seeds are reported to be somewhat toxic. The toxicity may depend on selenium concentration in the soil. Selenium poisoning can cause temporary loss of hair and nails and nausea.

Distribution

Northwestern S. America - Colombia, Venezuela.

Where It Grows

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Venezuela, Colombia

Cultivation

Prefers a deep, fertile soil.

Propagation

Seed -

Other Uses

Oil Wood. Other Uses We have no specific information on the wood of this species. A general description of the wood from this genus is as follows:- The heartwood is light to dark salmon; the sapwood is creamy-yellow. The texture is medium fine and uniform; the grain fairly straight or slightly interlocked; lustre is mostly low but high in some species; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is reported to be very durable upon exposure to both a white-rot and a brown-rot fungus confirming its reputation for high resistance to decay; it is also highly resistant to dry-wood termites and is reported to be moderately resistant to marine borer attack. It is rated as easy to moderately difficult to air season, depending on species; a slow to rapid drying rate is reported; warp and checking ranged from slight to moderate. The wood is moderately difficult to work because of its high density; however, surfaces obtained in planing, boring, sawing, and shaping were smooth and rated as good to excellent. Silica content varies with species and dulling of cutters is also variable. The wood is used for purposes such as heavy construction, ship keels and beams, railroad crossties, industrial flooring and other uses requiring high impact resistance (wagon wheels, tool handles), turnery.