Libidibia coriaria, synonym Caesalpinia coriaria, is a Legume tree or large shrub native to the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and northern and western South America.[ Common names include divi-divi, cascalote, guaracabuya, guatapana, nacascol,]
Description
L. coriaria rarely reaches its maximum height of because its growth is Reaction wood by the that batter the exposed sites where it often grows. In other environments it grows into a low dome shape with a clear sub canopy space. leaf are bipinnate, with 5–10 pairs of pinnae, each pinna with 15–25 pairs of leaflets; the individual leaflets are 7 mm long and 2 mm broad. The fruit is a twisted legume long.
Taxonomy
The species was first described by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1763, as Poinciana coriaria. In 1799, Carl Ludwig Willdenow transferred it to the genus Caesalpinia, and in 1830, Diederich von Schlechtendal transferred it to his newly created genus Libidibia.
Chemistry
are extracted from divi-divi pods for use in leather production.
Among the molecules isolated is corilagin, whose name comes from the specific epithet of the plant.
In culture
Divi-divi is the National emblem of Curaçao.
Uses
According to the FAO's Ecocrop database, the pods provide tannin and a black dye used in the tanning industry and for ink. The pods also have medicinal properties. The hard, dark colored wood is used for carpentry. The tree can be planted for shade. Yields of pods may be 45–135 kg per tree per year.
See also
External links
