Important Trees of Haiti

16 Bwa Pie
Figure 2.5 Basal sprouting of C. arborescens is
typical ofthe large-leaf varieties on droughty sites.
round form, providing long,
straight poles used in roofing
timbers. The larger diameter
stems usually are split in quarters
or squared for use as construction
material or sawn into planks (Fig.
2.7). Posts are improved for durability
by charcoaling the sapwood
of the end that is buried in
soil. The wood is used for rustic
furniture and wood sculptures.
A beverage derived from the
astringent bark, containing various
tannins, alkaloids and
saponins, is used for medicinal
purposes (Seaforth and Mohammed,
1988). Bark tea is considered
a diuretic; mixed with anise,
nutmeg, mace and sugar, the tea
is taken as an aphrodisiac. A
decoction made from boiled
wood and mixed with milk is
used to build up blood, especially
after childbirth (Altschul, 1973).
The shade of C. arborescens
is not deep, allowing for flexibil-
Figure 2.6 C. arborescens is valued as a construction timber used for building houses
in Haiti.