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Carapa: The Mahogany Family's Versatile Genus
Carapa is a genus of trees belonging to the mahogany family, Meliaceae. The most discussed species is Carapa guianensis, commonly known as Andiroba.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carapa Aublet
- Family: Meliaceae (Mahogany family)
- Species example: Carapa guianensis Aublet
- Synonyms: Andiroba (often used as a common name for Carapa guianensis)
- Alternative Scientific Name: Carapa procera DC.
Distribution and Habitat
Carapa trees are found in tropical forests of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Carapa guianensis is specifically noted to grow in the Amazon region.
Morphological Characteristics
- Carapa trees can grow up to 30-40 meters tall.
- Carapa guianensis seeds are composed of 74% reserve and 26% tegument, with the reserve being 56% lipid oil.
- The wood of Carapa guianensis is described as light, reddish-brown.
Traditional and Modern Uses
- Traditional Medicine: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba) is used in popular medicine in Brazil and other Amazon rainforest countries.
- Oil Extraction: Andiroba oil, extracted from the seeds of Carapa guianensis, has a long history of use in South America and commercial value.
- Medicinal Soap: Traditional forest dwellers in Brazil, called caboclos, make medicinal soap from Andiroba oil.
- Insecticide: Traditionally used as an insecticide by Amazon native people.
- Cosmetics: The oil is used as a cosmetic ingredient for skin conditioning.
Quirky Facts
- Carapa procera oil has a history stretching back to the time of the Pharaohs and Queens of ancient Egypt.
Further Information
For taxonomic information, refer to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) under TSN 506420 for Carapa guianensis.