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M. flexuosa is a South American palm, occuring naturally across a large area of the northern regions, east of the Andes Mountains, including all of Amazonia except its most eastern part. The tree always grows in open sites, along rivers and streams and in swamps from elevations a few hundred feet above sea level to about 3000 feet. In swamps and flatlands it forms immense colonies in the exclusion of most other trees.
The species name “flexuosa” means translates to flexible, in reference to the leaf segments and the massive petioles.
The solitary trunks of this palm can reach heights of 80 feet, with diameters often in excess of 2 ft.
The leaves are 15 feet wide on large petioles up to 30 feet long with four foot wide bases.
Mauritia flexuosa is definitely one of the most massive and impressive and beautiful of all plams. Unfortunately the species is only adaptable to zones 10b and 11. It is nearly aquatic and, although it will grow in drier areas, the tree will not fulfill its growing potential unless planted in moist environs. It prefers acidic soil.
This species has probably been used by humans for thousands of years and is still of great significance to people. It’s highly nutritious fruit can be eaten raw, also made into a type of flour. It is also fermented in an alcoholic beverage. An oil extracted from the fruit is an important commercial produce in Brazil. Fibers from the leaves are used for making ropes, hammocks and other misc. utensils. The petiole pith is used to make mats and paper. A wine and sago startch are derived from the trunks of felled trees.
The Ordeal Tree, as one might guess, is an extremely hazardous plant, both a neurotoxin and heart poison.
Native to the African tropics, Madagascar, Asia and Australia, E. suaveolens is in a genus of nine other species with similar properties, including E. lasianthum, E. succirubrum, and E. africanum.
This species is notorious for its use in trial-by-ordeal ritual of African origin in which the accused is given a concoction made from the macerated bark. If they vomit, it is considered a sign of innocence. However, if the poison is not expelled by vomiting, the person will almost certainly die. Very high does are much more likely to have an emetic effect, thus the individual administering the poison can play a role in determining the outcome of the ordeal. Also interesting is the supposition that an innocent person will tend to be more eager to drink all of the liquid down, anticipating that they will vomit it up, whereas a guilty person, knowing they are guilty, will tend to drink slower, thus unknowingly increasing their chances of fatal poisoning.
Bark extracts have also been used as arrow and fish poison. Bark powder of E. lasianthum has been traditionally used by the Zulu to treat pains associated with fever and headache.
Dumbcane is a very common ornamental plant, typically relied upon by people who have little ability or interest in actually caring for their plants. Dumbcane is easy to grow, its easy to propagate, it has somewhat quintessential large, waxy tropical foliage.
Little do most people know, this is is also highly toxic. It is classified as a cytotoxin, meaning it damages the function and/or structure of cells. It is a common cause for consultation in poison centers.
All parts of the plant are poisonous. Apparently the toxic principles are not yet fully understood. Among other things it contains calcium oxalate raphides, needle-shaped crystals, located within its cells, which can shoot out into other cells when pressure is exerted.
Historically, parts of the Dumb Cane has been used for torture. When chewed, people become silent as their tongue grows so swollen they are rendered unable to speak. Raphides are also thought to cause temporary sterility. Thus, traditionally, the plant has been used as a contraceptive, and, interestingly, as and aphrodisiac. It has also been used for the treatment of cancer, oedema, and skin disorders.
Following the ingestion of toxic quantities of the plant your initial symptoms will include severe burning and inflammation of the mouth, throat and oesophagus. The swelling in ones throat and tongue can lead to suffocation. Within an hour after the onset of such symptoms it will become difficult or impossible to swallow, nausea and vomiting will ensue along with severe gastrointestinal disorder, coma, and even death by cardiac arrest or fatal kidney damage. Sap in the eye results in intensive pain, conjunctivitis and keratitis, in which the cornea becomes inflamed resulting in impaired eyesight.
I’ll get some photos.
This is a giant lemon variety I’m growing from seed. Although uncommon, it can be found cultivated on a domestic scale around the Panamanian countryside.
This is the Frank Gehry-designed biodiversity museum in Panama.
