Cavanillesia platanifolia, known as pijio, bongo, pretino, petrino, cuipo, hameli or hamelí in Spanish[2][1] or macondo,[4] is a flowering plant species in the family Malvaceae.[2] It grows in lowland rainforests in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.[2][1]
The tree grows to 45–60 metres (148–197 feet) in height, with leaves only near the top for one month a year. Its reddish-gray bark has characteristic rings along the entire trunk. The roots are orangish-brown.[5]
A root fragment can be cut off and cleaned (while kept horizontal) then tipped to pour water, which has a taste of potatoes.[5] Rope can be made from the inner bark of branches and saplings.[5]
The wood is extremely soft and may have commercial applications. According to the Janka Hardness Test, along with balsa it is one of the softest.
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