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Brya ebenus: Ebony Coccuswood
Brya ebenus, commonly known as ebony coccuswood, is a flowering tree species belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae. Other common names include espino de sabana, granadillo, cocus wood, cocuswood, Jamaican Rain Tree, Grenadilla, Jamaican Ebony, and West Indian Ebony.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This plant may also be referred to as coccus wood, which is a dense hardwood often used to make musical instruments and canes.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Brya ebenus (L.) DC.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
- Subfamily: Faboideae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Aspalatus ebenus L., Aspalathus ebenus L., Breya ebenus
Distribution and Habitat
- Brya ebenus is native to the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Jamaica.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Brya ebenus is described as both a tree and a shrub.
- It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
Quirky Facts
- Coccuswood, the wood from Brya ebenus, has a long history of being used to craft musical instruments such as flutes, practice chanters for bagpipes, and other woodwind instruments due to its density and tonal qualities. It was one of the first exports from the West Indies to Europe.
Common Uses
- Coccus wood is a dense hardwood that is exported to create musical instruments like flutes, chanters, and bombards (a woodwind instrument).
- It is also used to craft canes.