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palo de vaca
Scientific Name: Dendropanax laurifolius
Family: Araliaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Palo de Vaca: A Multifaceted Tree with a Milky Secret
The name "Palo de Vaca" (Cow Tree) is used for various tree species, making identification challenging. This article explores the general characteristics and uses associated with trees commonly known by this name.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species referred to as "Palo de Vaca" yield a milky sap, which may be of interest to pets if the tree is present in a garden or accessible outdoor area.
- The text mentions the wood being used for various construction and decorative purposes. If pets chew on wooden items made from "Palo de Vaca", potential splinters or ingestion of wood fragments may be a concern.
Considerations for Children
- Some trees known as "Palo de Vaca" contain milky sap. Children may be curious about this sap if the tree grows nearby.
- The text notes that the wood from Palo de Vaca trees is used in sculpture and for making boxes and crates. These items, especially if old or damaged, might pose a splinter hazard.
Common Names
- Palo de Vaca (Spanish for Cow Tree)
- Roble de Guayo
- Arbol de Leche (Milk Tree)
- Lechero
- Cow Tree
- Milk Tree
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- The name "Palo de Vaca" is applied to multiple species across different genera and families. The provided text mentions examples such as:
- Brosimum galactodendron (=Galactodendron utile)
- Brosimum utile (H.B.K.) Pittier
- Dendropanax laurifolius
- Quercus robur (erroneously)
- Breria succulenta
Distribution and Habitat
- Some species known as "Palo de Vaca" are native to Florida, Mexico, Central America, the Antilles, and Venezuela.
- The text also mentions its presence in the Andes of northwestern Venezuela and Costa Rica.
Morphological Characteristics and Uses
- One species, possibly Quercus robur, is described as reaching a height of 25 feet.
- Another is described as having laurel-like leaves ranging from ten to sixteen inches in length and bearing very small flowers.
- The wood from various "Palo de Vaca" species is used for:
- Bridge construction
- Heavy construction
- Flooring (including parquet)
- Sculpture
- Interior trim
- Veneer
- Railroad cars
- Bridge beams and joists
- Boxes and crates
- Decorative plywood
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions its presence alongside other plants like guayacán, palo de balsa, calahua, campanillas, jabonillos, porotillo, and papayillo.
Quirky Facts
- The milky sap of Brosimum utile is used as a substitute for cream in Costa Rica.
- In some regions, "Palo de Vaca" is used as a traditional remedy for stomach ailments.