It multiplies by seeds, which should not be kept for too long as they lose their germination power, and by cuttings, which should be obtained from female plants.
Its natural habitat is the beaches of the American intertropical zone and the Caribbean, including Florida. It is the natural symbol of the state of Vargas, in Venezuela.
In the Canary Islands it has been introduced as an ornamental plant, particularly attractive for its shiny, dense foliage and showy fruits.
It is mainly used for public landscaping in cities and coastal tourist areas, as it is very resistant to wind and sea breezes, and can be planted on sandy beaches almost as far as the sea water reaches.
Its wood is used in joinery and carpentry. A red exudate is extracted from the bark, which is used for dyeing.
It is an ideal plant for forming barriers in front of the sea, as it tolerates the salinity of the air very well. The roots and bark are used in folk medicine to combat diarrhoea and dysentery.
The fruits can be eaten raw or in jams, and when fermented it produces a wine-like drink.
The flowers produce an abundance of nectar, and the resulting honey is of good quality, light amber in colour, with a somewhat spicy taste.
 < Previous   Next >