SafePlants

Amyris balsamifera: Balsam Torchwood

Amyris balsamifera, commonly known as Balsam Torchwood, is an aromatic bush or small evergreen tree with a rich history and diverse uses. Other common names include Candlewood, Poison-ash, West Indian Rosewood, and West Indian Sandalwood.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant exudes elemi, a type of balsam (oleoresin).
• The plant contains elemic acids, liquid sesquiterpenes.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is also known as Poison-ash.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amyris balsamifera L.
• Family: Rutaceae (Citrus Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Amyris funckiana Turcz.
  • Elemifera balsamifera (L.) Kuntze

Distribution and Habitat

• Balsam Torchwood is native to tropical regions including Asia, Central America, Haiti and other locations.
• Specifically mentioned locations include:
  • Florida (especially South Florida, Dade County, Matteson Hammock, Brickell Hammock near Miami)
  • Cuba
  • Mexico (Jalisco, Sonora)
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Venezuela
  • United States

Morphological Characteristics

• Balsam Torchwood is an aromatic, evergreen shrub or small tree.
• It typically grows to a height of 2-8 meters.
• It has opposite leaves, with 3-5.

Traditional Uses

• The essential oil from Balsam Torchwood has been used traditionally as an antiseptic.
• The elemi exuded from the trunk of Amyris species is a type of balsam containing elemic acids and liquid sesquiterpenes.

Ecological Role

• Torchwood, specifically Amyris balsamifera, serves as one of the primary food sources for certain organisms.

Quirky Facts

• Abram P. Garber first collected Balsam Torchwood in Miami in 1877.
• An essential oil is made by steam distilling the bark of Amyris balsamifera and is reported to have a strong citric scent.

Further Resources

• USDA Hardiness Zones (Interactive Native Range Distribution Map)
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden
• BioLib.cz