Guacimo, Whip tree
Luehea speciosa

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. The leaves are alternate and evenly spaced. They have 3 main veins from the base. The leaves are whitish underneath. The flowers are large and white.

It was used for some purpose amongst Maya. These have also been in the Tiliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on dry slopes and open land. It grows between 150-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Peru, South America, Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Molenillo, Guacimo blanco, Guacimo borcico, Guacimo tortugo

Synonyms

Apeiba ulmifolia Kunth; Brotera maritima Vell. Cedrela alternifolia (Mill.) Steud.; Cedrus alternifolia Mill.; Swietenia alternifolia (Mill.) Steud.; and others