Family: Rubiaceae
Calycophyllum spruceanum (capirona, pau mulato) is a canopy tree found in the Amazon rainforest and belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is notable for its distinctive bark, which naturally sheds completely once or twice a year to prevent the growth of lichens, fungi, epiphytes, and climbing vines. In traditional medicinal practices, it is believed to possess a range of properties, including anti-aging effects (addressing skin wrinkles and aging spots), antimicrobial qualities (acting against bacteria, fungi, and parasites), emollient attributes (soothing for the skin), wound-healing capabilities, hemostatic properties (to stop bleeding), contraceptive potential, stimulating effects, and anti-diabetic properties. Many of these medicinal uses of C. spruceanum are derived from the extensive traditional knowledge held by the indigenous communities residing in the Amazon forest. To date, there is no recorded evidence of this plant being naturalized in any of the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and could potentially spread in regions with tropical climates
- Tolerates many soil types
- Forms pure stands in native range
- Reproduces by prolific seed production
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water and intentional cultivation
- Resprouts from roots and stems after repeated cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of naturalization or invasiveness, but limited evidence of cultivation outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to browsing animals
- Non-toxic
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Reaches maturity in 6+ years (in cultivation)
- Seeds remain viable for 5 months (unlikely to form a persistent seed bank)
