Chiranthodendron pentadactylon

Botanical Description

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon is an evergreen tree growing from 12 - 30 metres or more tall in Guatemala, though smaller in Mexico. The bole, which often branches from low down, is often 1 - 2 metres in diameter[ 331 Title Flora of Guatemala Publication Author Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark Website http://www.archive.org/ Publisher Year 1946 - 1976 ISBN Description A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/ ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of medicines, fibre and packing material. The plant has a very unusual flower, which seems to have a hand with five long, clawed fingers projecting from it. It is often viewed with veneration and is frequently planted as an ornamental[ 331 Title Flora of Guatemala Publication Author Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark Website http://www.archive.org/ Publisher Year 1946 - 1976 ISBN Description A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/ , 411 Title Trees and Shrubs of Mexico Publication Contributions from the United States National Herbarium Vol 23 Author Standley P.C. Publisher Smithsonian Institution; Washington Year 1926 ISBN Description Although dated, it contains a wealth of information on the trees and shrubs of Mexico, including many of their uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ].