Status:
valid
Authors:
Harms
Source:
ildis
Year:
1908
Citation Micro:
Notizbl. Königl. Bot. Gart. Berlin5: 94 (1908)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000212074
Common Names
- Myroxylon balsamum
- Balsamum Myroxylon
- Balsamum's Myroxylon
Synonyms
- Myroxylon balsamum balsamum [unknown]
- Myroxylon balsamum pereirae Harms [valid]
- Myrospermum toluiferum DC. [illegitimate]
- Toluifera balsamum L. [valid]
- Myroxylon pereirae Klotzsch [valid]
- Myroxylon toluiferum A.Rich. [illegitimate]
- Myrospermum sonsonatense Oerst. [illegitimate]
- Toluifera balsamum pereirae (Royle) Baill. [valid]
- Myrospermum pereirae Royle [valid]
- Toluifera pereirae (Royle) Baill. [valid]
- Myroxylon pereirae Royle [unknown]
- Myroxylon balsamum punctatum Harms [valid]
- Myroxylon punctatum Klotzsch [valid]
- Myroxylon hanburyanum Klotzsch [valid]
- Myroxylon sonsouatense (Peeira ex Oerst.) Flueck. & D.Hanb. [unknown]
- Myrospermum punctatum (Klotzsch) Walp. [valid]
- Myrospermum balsamiferum Ruiz & Pav. [invalid]
- Toluifera punctata (Klotzsch) Baill. [valid]
- Myrospermum sonsonatense Pereira ex Oersted [unknown]
- Myroxylon balsamum genuinum Harms [invalid]
- Toluifera balsamum punctata (Klotzsch) Baill. [valid]
- Myrospermum balsamiferum Ruiz & Pav. [unknown]
Description
Myroxylon balsamum (also called Balsam of Peru, among many other common names) is a species of flowering tree in the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It grows in lowland rainforests, seasonally dry forests, and montane forests.
Uses & Benefits
Myroxylon balsamum is used in the production of fragrances, incense, and essential oils. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as to treat wounds, skin infections, and respiratory ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Myroxylon balsamum has small, yellow flowers that produce small, dark brown seeds. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Myroxylon balsamum is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils. Propagation is best done by seed or cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Where to Find Myroxylon balsamum
Myroxylon balsamum is native to Central and South America and can be found in dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands in Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia.
Myroxylon balsamum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Myroxylon balsamum?
Myroxylon balsamum
What is the common name of Myroxylon balsamum?
Balsam of Peru
Where is Myroxylon balsamum found?
Central America
Species in the Myroxylon genus
Species in the Fabaceae family