The Ander Tree (Andira inermis) is a tropical species known for its diverse applications. It is widely recognized by common names such as Cabbage Bark Tree, Angelin, River Almond, Partridge Wood, and Wormwood. Native to regions from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, including Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, it also thrives across the Caribbean. The species has been introduced to other tropical areas like Florida and parts of Africa. Andira inermis is significant for its timber and historical use in traditional medicine.
Identifying the Ander Tree
Andira inermis is a large tree, reaching heights of 30 to 35 meters (100 to 115 feet). Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, sometimes developing buttresses up to 3 meters tall. The bark is scaly and fissured, often emitting a pungent odor reminiscent of cabbage. The tree’s foliage consists of large, pinnately compound leaves, 15 to 40 centimeters long, each bearing 7 to 17 oval leaflets. These leaflets emerge bright tan and mature into glossy, dark green, arranged alternately along the stems.
Though often described as evergreen, the tree replaces its foliage throughout the year, especially before flowering. Flowers occur in dense, branched panicles, with small, bell-shaped blooms, about 1 centimeter long, ranging from dark pink to purplish-red. These showy blooms attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. After flowering, the tree produces hard, woody, single-seeded fruits (drupes) measuring 4 to 8 centimeters long and 3 to 5 centimeters wide, typically dark green and oval-shaped.
Traditional and Medicinal Applications
Historically, the Ander Tree has been valued in traditional medicine, particularly for its anthelmintic properties, used to expel intestinal parasites. Various parts, including the bark, seeds, and leaves, were prepared for this purpose. Traditional healers also used it as a purgative and recognized its narcotic properties. Beyond parasitic infections, the tree’s components addressed ailments like fevers and skin conditions such as ringworm and fungal infections. In some regions, the bark was used for snake bites; however, these applications stem from traditional practices and are not medically endorsed treatments without further scientific research.
Important Safety Considerations
Despite its historical medicinal uses, Andira inermis is significantly toxic, especially when ingested. The bark and seeds contain poisonous compounds, including alkaloids like andirine and berberine. Ingesting these parts can lead to severe adverse reactions. Reported side effects include vomiting, fever, delirium, and, in severe cases, death. Self-medication with Andira inermis is strongly advised against due to its potent and dangerous nature. Any consideration of its traditional uses should only occur under the guidance of a qualified medical professional. While some studies investigate potential therapeutic effects of bark extracts, these findings are preliminary and do not override warnings regarding the plant’s inherent dangers for internal consumption. Caution is paramount due to its documented toxicity.
Timber and Other Commercial Uses
Beyond traditional medicinal roles, Andira inermis is highly valued for its timber, marketed as Angelin or Partridgewood. The wood is hard, heavy, and strong, with a density of approximately 0.77 grams per cubic centimeter. Its durability and natural resistance to fungi and termites make it a sought-after material.
The heartwood ranges from golden yellow to reddish-brown, often exhibiting a striped pattern. Its robust properties make it suitable for heavy construction, including bridges, railroad tracks, and waterfront docks. It is also used for furniture, cabinetry, parquet flooring, turned objects, and boat building.
The tree offers other commercial and ecological benefits. It serves as a shade tree in coffee plantations due to its spreading crown. Prunings can be used as firewood, and it is planted for erosion control and as a windbreak. The tree is a nitrogen-fixing species, enriching the soil, and its flowers attract pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity.
Cultivation and Habitat
Andira inermis thrives in lowland tropical areas, particularly in riparian zones and areas with a high water table. It is found in alluvial forests but also adapts to drier environments like roadsides, woodlands, and pastures. Its natural altitudinal range extends from sea level up to 900 meters. The tree adapts to various soil types, growing well in both well-drained sandy soils and poorly drained clay soils.
For cultivation, it requires full sun to partial shade. While needing low light for initial establishment, it prefers higher light levels for optimal growth. Once established, the Ander Tree has moderate water requirements and tolerates drought. Its growth rate can be slow, but it achieves rapid growth under moist conditions. Propagation is done from seeds, which require scarification for germination.