Alcornoco

Bowdichia virgilioides

Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: bowdichia

Plant ID (slug): bowdichia-virgilioides

Numeric ID: 21356

USDA Hardiness: 10-12

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Bowdichia virgilioides is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

The root tubercles and the bark are antirheumatic, astringent, depurative, febrifuge and hypoglycaem

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Depurative Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Skin The root tubercles and the bark are antirheumatic, astringent, depurative, febrifuge and hypoglycaemic[739]. They are applied externally in the treatment of skin conditions[739]. The seed oil is rubbed on the skin to treat articular pain[739]. Lupeol and an alkaloid have been isolated from the bark[739].