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cow tree

Scientific Name: Brosimum utile

Family: Moraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cow Tree: A Botanical Exploration

The term "cow tree" refers to several different species of trees, primarily found in South America, known for producing a milky sap that has been used as a food substitute.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that these trees exude a rich milky liquid when wounded. The presence of this sap, while traditionally used as food, might be of interest to pet owners.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that these trees exude a rich milky liquid when wounded. The presence of this sap, while traditionally used as food, might be of interest to parents.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Common Name: Cow Tree, Ceylon cow tree, Tree Milk, palo de vaca (Spanish)
  • Scientific Names:
    • Brosimum galactodendron (syn. Galactodendron utile)
    • Couma macrocarpa
    • Gymnema lactiferum

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family:
    • Moraceae (for Brosimum galactodendron)
    • Apocynaceae (for Couma macrocarpa)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Tropical rainforests of South America, particularly Colombia and Venezuela.
  • Grows in the Andes of northwestern Venezuela.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Brosimum galactodendron can grow up to 30 meters high.
  • Leaves are entire (smooth-edged).

Traditional Uses

  • The milky latex produced by several cow tree species is used as a substitute for cow's milk.
  • The latex of Brosimum galactodendron is sometimes used as food.