Letterhout, Letter Wood

Helicostylis tomentosa

Physical Characteristics

Helicostylis tomentosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) 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.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. A delicious flavour[625 ]. The yellow, more or less globose fruit can be around 3cm in diameter[625 ].

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Hallucinogenic Stomachic The red, milky sap from the bark is drunk as an hallucinogen in order to contact the spirits[348 ]. The rasped bark, mixed with alcohol, is used as a remedy for stomach cramps and pain accompanying a high fever[348 ]. Extracts prepared from the inner bark have been pharmacologically evaluated and are reported to elicit central nervous system depressant effects; and certain of the effects are described as being similar to those expected with Cannabis sativa. Because of the close taxonomic relationship of this species to Cannabis, one might expect similar types of chemical constituents in both genera. Whether or not the effects are due to the presence of cannabinoids remains to be determined[630 ].

Known Hazards

The latex of this tree is considered to be toxic when ingested[697 ].