Tamanu Tree (Calophylium inophyllum)
There are hundreds of species of the Calophylium inophyllum (Tamanu) that grow throughout the Pacific Region. We happen to have this tree in our resort. It’s interesting to understand what plants grow in Panama and what you can benefit from them. This tree has many uses from using the timber to build boats to cold pressing the yellow/green fruit, as explained below. This oil is widely used in cosmetics. At its purest form, it is a healing and anti-aging oil. It has been in use with the Polynesians for decades
The fruit grows in bunches. It’s ready when it is bright green or yellowish.
Once you peel the outer skin, you have this brown nut. You slightly crush the shell to safely extract the nut inside.
This nut is dried outdoors on drying racks for about eight weeks.
During this time, the nut dries to about a third of its weight. Its germinating power disappears and the oil content is very high. You can get about 5KG of oil from around 100KG of fruit.
This is the final product. Benefits: reduces wrinkles and age spots / heals burns and wounds / heals dry skin / Heals diabetic sores and psoriasis, and much more.
Learning how to use what nature provides rather than spend $$$ on products that are tainted with other ingredients that can harm the body should be on everyone’s mind. Lisa will continue to research and soon make her own oils. In the meantime, anyone can BUY Tamanu oil on Amazon or other sources. It is sold in the United States. JUS MAKE SURE it is pure 100% cold pressed.
The Manchineel Tree
The deadliest tree in the world is right here in Panama!!!!!
Manchineel tree is also called the tree of death. It is one of the most toxic species of plant on the planet. During our walks along the beach, there are bursts of foliage and this tree was seen among them. Manchineel’s love sandy soils. They are found in South Florida, Caribbean, Central and Northern America.
This tree has clusters of small green crabapple like fruit. This is also the most lethal in poison. The sweet-smelling fruits can cause hours of agony—and potentially death—with a single bite.
During rain storms, you DO NOT want to be under this tree. It will cause pain burning blisters. And you DO NOT want to burn the tree as it toxins will be released into the air and get into the lungs.
The Manchineel Tree is now considered an endangered species. So why would we worry if it disappears from earth? Because like all living things, this tree has purpose:)
- Normally a hefty shrub, it can grow up to 50 feet tall, producing toxic timber that has been used by Caribbean carpenters to make furniture. They have learned how to manage the wood through a drying process with the sun to help neutralize the poisonous sap.
- Native people even used manchineel tree as medicine, including the gum for edema and its dried fruits as a diuretic. Just like taking the venom from snakes to poisonous snails the bio toxins can be transformed for good.
- The treen living along the sandy beaches is a great windbreaker to help prevent beach erosion.
One last note on the Manchineel tree. . . There is only one creature that is NOT effected by the poisonous tree, that is the The garrobo or striped iguana of Central and South America, for example, is known to eat manchineel fruit and sometimes even lives among the tree’s limbs, according to IFAS.
Royal Poinciana
The Royal Poinciana, or as others call it, the Flame Tree for its blazing rich RED color. The botanical name is derived from the Greek words delos (meaning conspicuous) and onyx (meaning claw), referring to their appearance. With four spoon-shaped petals about 3 inches long, and one slightly larger petal (called the standard), they resemble orchids, and range in color from deep red to bright orange. I just think they are PRETTY! 🙂
Here are some facts on the Flaming Tree:
- Where does the Royal Poinciana grow? These lovely trees are seen throughout Panama. They do not like frost or cold regions. In the US, they grow best in Florida and California. They do thrive in the tropic regions.
- Are they fast growing? YEP! They can grow up to five feet a year, you get these exotic colors and shade quickly. So, not only do you get one-of-a-kind beauty, but you also get a tree that shields your home from the summer heat and provides extra insulation in the winter, saving you money and energy from season to season. And these vigorous growers have an extremely high drought tolerance and grow well in the dry, sandy areas where other flowering trees can’t take the heat. That’s one important fact on why this plant does well in Panama. NOTE: It can take up to five years before you can see the first PEDAL. . . Patience is worth it!
- Can they help you? YEP! This tree is gifted with many medicinal properties. It can be used as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial, gastro-protective, cardio-protective along with wound healing properties. WOW!!!!!
- Is there a downside? YEP! unfortunately this treen can be considered invasive. This tree requires wide open spaces to grow. Not only can they grow as high as 40 feet, and as wide as 40 to 60 feet. Their roots grow more on the surface than underground. This means any sidewalk near will get a new look from the roots. . . .Many find that royal poinciana is best for larger landscapes.
You still can’t beat the beauty of this tree. They are all around the Bijao community 🙂