Scientific name: Andira inermis

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 59.01″ N, 64° 49′ 43.12″ W

Medicinal Uses

Andira inermis, or Cabbage Tree, is used in traditional medicine for its purgative, anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), and febrifuge (fever-reducing) properties, with bark, seeds, and roots containing compounds like isoflavones that show potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects, but it must be used with extreme caution as it’s toxic in large doses, potentially causing vomiting, delirium, and even death. It’s used for worms, malaria, fevers, and even snakebites, but modern use requires careful dosage and antidotes like castor oil or lime juice. 

Traditional Uses

• Parasites & Worms: Powdered bark and seeds are used as a strong purgative and vermifuge to expel intestinal worms (like Ascaris).
• Fever (Febrifuge): Used to reduce intermittent fevers, with the bark being particularly noted for this.
• Diabetes: Studies suggest it helps lower blood glucose in diabetic models.
• Anti-inflammatory: Extracts show potential for inflammation.
• Malaria: Isoflavones in the plant show Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) activity.
• Snakebite: Inner bark used for treatment.
• Other: Used for general sickness, narcotic effects, and as an emetic. 

Important Cautions

• Toxicity: The plant contains toxic alkaloids (like andirine) and is dangerous in large amounts.
• Symptoms of Overdose: Can cause fever, vomiting, delirium, and death.
• Antidotes: Castor oil or lime/lemon juice can help mitigate negative effects.
• Professional Guidance: Due to toxicity, modern use requires expert knowledge; many traditional uses are unverified or risky.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Dog Almond (Andira inermis)

1. Leaf Behavior

• – Semi-evergreen to deciduous in dry conditions.
• – Pinnate leaves may be shed partially or fully depending on drought severity.

2. Flowering

• – Fragrant, purplish-pink flowers borne in dense terminal panicles.
• – Blooms typically appear before full leaf flush (late dry to early wet season).

3. Fruiting

• – Fruits are small, woody drupes that mature several months after flowering.
• – Often persist into the dry season before dropping.

4. Growth Habit

• – Tall tree with upright branching and dense foliage.
• – Common in urban plantings and roadsides; roots may fix nitrogen.

5. Observation Tips

• – Note any nitrogen-fixing nodules if root zone is visible or soil is disturbed.
• – Track leaf regrowth and new shoot formation after significant rain events.
• – Watch for fruit persistence into the dry season—woody drupes may remain attached.
• – Observe the canopy density at the end of the dry season for signs of partial leaf drop.
• – Look for purplish flower clusters forming at branch tips during the early wet season.

6. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• – Jan–Mar: Possible partial leaf drop
• – Apr–May: Flowering and new leaves
• – Jun–Sep: Fruiting
• – Oct–Dec: Stable canopy