Coutarea
Coutarea hexandra

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

Coutera hexandra is a semideciduous plant that grows up to 6 m tall with a short, usually crooked bole. It is often planted as an ornamental plant. It is commonly found in South America and grows well under sunny condition and moist soil. The bark is used in the treatment of malaria and fever. The wood is moderately heavy and hard but not very durable. It is used for tool handles, fuel and charcoal. Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean- Trinidad

Coutarea hexandra is a deciduous Tree growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 4.5 m (14ft) 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.

Height (m): 4.5

Where it is found

Moist soils in alluvial river valleys and near rivers, in both dense, primary forests and the more open, secondary formations, generally preferring more open, sunny positions. Thickets in Panama.

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean- Trinidad

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean- Trinidad

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 4

The stem bark is bitter, febrifuge, stomachic and tonic. It can be used as a substitute for quinine (Cinchona spp.) when treating malaria, and is also used for treating swamp fever. The root bark is mixed in a decoction with stem bark and then used as an antidiabetic and vermifuge. The plant is a rich source of neoflavonoids and their glycosides. One of the compounds in the plant has been shown to exert a relaxing effect upon the trachea. The plant extract has been shown to be antiinflammatory.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses The wood is of medium and uniform texture, moderately heavy, hard, flexible, with moderate mechanical properties and not very durable. The wood is usually too small to be of much use apart from items such as tool handles. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Grows best in a sunny position. Prefers a moist soil. Semi-deciduous

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Coutera hexandra or Coutera

Synonyms

Bignonia triflora Pav. ex DC. Cinchona souzana (Mart.) Brign. Coutarea alba Griseb. Coutarea campani