Sexy Trees

The Cachimbo tree is native to South America. Mature trees can reach a height of 45 meters. The wood is reddish-brown and commonly used for construction, carpentry, and ship-building.

The bark, rich in phenolic compounds, is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.

In addition to medicinal value, the bark can be used to make cloth and cordage. The inner bark can be extracted in very thin layers resembling paper and is used to wrap cigars. Indigenous persons regularly used the fiber to make clothing and bedding.

Grows in tropical rainforests, often reaching the upper canopy where it contributes to the overall structure and health of the forest ecosystem. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. The seeds are dispersed by animals and wind, helping the species regenerate naturally and sustain forest diversity.

In many Indigenous communities, the tree holds deep cultural importance—not just for its materials, but as part of ancestral knowledge tied to health, nature, and land. Its conservation is key for preserving both biodiversity, traditional practices, and Indigenous ecological wisdom.