Andira inermis

This article is about tree. For the genus of macaw known as Guacamayo in Spanish, see Ara (genus).

Cabbage tree
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Andira
Species:	A. inermis
Binomial name
Andira inermis (W.Wright) DC.
Synonyms
Andira grandiflora Guillemin & Perrottet Andira jamaicensis (Wright) Urban Geoffroea inermis (Wright) Wright Geoffroea jamaicensis Wright var. inermis Wright

Andira inermis is a nitrogen-fixing tree native to the area from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America (Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil); it has been introduced to the Caribbean, the Antilles, Florida, and Africa. The tree has many names due to its wide distribution and multiple uses: it is also known as the cabbage bark (in Belize), almendro macho (in El Salvador), almendro de río or river almond (Honduras), bastard cabbage tree, cabbage angelin (United States), cabbage bark (United States), cabbage tree, carne asada (Costa Rica), guacamayo (Honduras), Jamaica cabbage tree, harino (Panama), moca (Puerto Rico), partridge wood (United States), worm bark, or yellow cabbage tree.

The tree grows to approximately 35 metres in height and 0.7 metre in diameter. It is evergreen and unbuttressed and has a dense crown and pink flowers. It grows primarily in riparian zones in forests along rivers. It can also be found in drier areas, including roadsides, pastures, and woodlands.

The tree's wood is used for lumber, and its smooth gray bark reportedly has narcotic, laxative, and vermifuge properties.

External links

• Andira inermis Winrock Intl – Resource Not Found at www.winrock.org
• Andira inermis Andira inermis (Wright)DC. at www.ildis.org

• Andira inermis in West African plants – A Photo Guide.