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Cuipo tree – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

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Cuipo tree plant (Cavanillesia platanifolia)

The Cuipo (pronounced “kwee-po”) tree is a very dominant and easily detected tree because it extends high above the other trees – above the canopy. Its height ranges from 45 to 60 meters (149 to 198 feet) and the trunk appears to be “swollen” at the base. It has leaves only at the top and is bare 11 months out of the year. The leaves are almost round on mature trees and nearly square on juvenile trees.  It has rings on its bark that extend to the top to make it easily recognizable. Its smooth bark is reddish or gray in color. Its roots are light reddish-brown or yellowish-brown.

Where to find Cuipo tree plants

The cuipo tree is located primarily in Central American tropical rain forests in mountainous areas. Cuipo trees are most commonly found in lowland forests near rivers and streams, where there is a high level of moisture. They are also found in areas that receive a lot of rainfall, typically between 2,500 and 4,500 millimeters per year.

Some countries where the Cuipo tree is found in the wild include Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. In these countries, the tree plays an important role in the ecosystem, providing a habitat for many animal species and contributing to the overall health of the rainforest.

Edible parts of the Cuipo tree plant

To get water from this tree, cut a piece of the root and clean the dirt and bark off one end, keeping the root horizontal. Put the clean end to your mouth or canteen and raise the other. The water from this tree tastes like potato water.  The large oily seeds are edible (taste like peanuts) and the gum that exudes from the cut trunk can be eaten.

Other for the Cuipo tree plant

Use young Cuipo tree saplings and the branches’ inner bark to make rope.  The wood is very light and in some places has been used to replace balsa wood in construction.

The Cuipo tree produces a light, durable, and water-resistant wood that is suitable for making a range of products, including furniture, boats, and building materials. Cuipo tree is often used in construction due to its strength and resistance to decay. It is also highly valued for its aesthetic qualities, as it has a rich, reddish-brown color and a striking grain pattern.

The bark and leaves of the Cuipo tree contain compounds that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties, making them useful in treating conditions such as fever, inflammation, and pain. The tree’s bark has also been used to help with wound healing and as a natural remedy for diarrhea.

Cuipo tree picture identification guide

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1 thought on “Cuipo tree – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

  1. what is the lifespan of cuipo tree

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