This frequently buttressed tree grows to 100 feet and has very large, heartshaped leaves. It has a spreading crown and grey or brown bark. The inner bark is yellowish, creamy white, or pinkish in color, turning brown with age. It has a single flower at the terminal end of the branch. The light heartwood was historically used for rafts. It is also known as polak, algodón, palo de balsa, tambor, corkwood, and urú.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Southern Mexico to Bolivia, Caribbean
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Antitumor, analgesic, emetic, and used to treat osteoporosis, rheumatism, tuberculosis
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
A decoction of the leaves is drunk and used as a bath.
