Scientific name: Libidibia coriaria

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location:

Medicinal Uses

Libidibia coriaria (Divi-Divi) is traditionally used for digestive issues (stomach cramps, ulcers, colic), fevers, and as an astringent for wounds and hemorrhoids, leveraging its rich tannin content for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anthelmintic (parasite-fighting) properties, with extracts used for skin sores, infections, and even as a remedy for jaundice and other ailments, according to Frontiers. 

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• Gastrointestinal: Remedies for stomach cramps, colic, flatulence, and ulcers, with antiulcerogenic and antioxidant effects noted.
• Skin & Wounds: Pods and bark used as astringents to dress wounds, treat skin sores, and address infections like tonsillitis.
• Fever & Pain: Roots used as a febrifuge (fever reducer), and extracts target inflammation and pain.
• Parasitic Infections: Extracts, especially from pods, are used as antiperiodics and to control internal parasites in livestock and humans.
• Other: Employed for jaundice, respiratory, dermatological, and central nervous system conditions. 

Bioactive Compounds & Modern Research

• Rich in Tannins: Pods are high in tannins, giving them astringent and antibacterial qualities, effective against some bacteria and fungi.
• Antimicrobial: Studies show extracts inhibit bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes and fungi like Candida albicans.
• Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: Phenolic compounds provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing damage and inflammation.
• Gastroprotective: Extracts show promise in protecting the stomach lining and healing ulcers. 

How It’s Used

• Decoctions (boiling plant parts) of fruits and leaves are common.
• Pods used for tanning leather and creating dyes, also used in remedies. 

Note: While traditional uses are extensive, research continues to explore these properties, particularly for livestock health and potential human applications.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Divi Divi (Libidibia coriaria)

1. Leaf Behavior
Divi Divi is deciduous, often shedding most or all of its leaves during the dry season.

• Leaves are bipinnately compound, with many small, feathery leaflets.
• Leaf drop typically occurs January–March, but may vary with drought intensity.
• New leaf flushes emerge with the first rains or after flowering, usually in March–April.

Observation Tips:

• Track timing and extent of defoliation during the dry season.
• Watch for new, soft green leaves re-emerging at branch tips after rainfall.

2. Flowering
Flowers are small, yellowish-white, and fragrant, occurring in loose, upright clusters (racemes).

• Flowering generally begins just after the dry season, typically March–May.
• Flowers are insect-pollinated and may be subtle unless observed up close.

Observation Tips:

• Look for upright flower spikes forming soon after new leaf growth.
• Monitor pollinator visits, particularly bees and small wasps.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are distinctive, twisted, dark brown pods, often curled into a “C” or double spiral.

• Pods ripen June–August and are high in tannins, traditionally used for leather tanning and dye.
• Fruit often remains on the tree even after drying.

Observation Tips:

• Track fruit development, especially the change from green to leathery brown.
• Record pod retention, drop, and collection by wildlife or people.

4. Growth Habit
Divi Divi typically grows to 20–40 feet, though often much shorter due to constant wind pruning.

• It has a low, spreading canopy and trunks that may lean or curve in the direction of prevailing winds.
• Exceptionally drought-tolerant, it is found in coastal and arid regions and is a strong pioneer species.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Leaf drop
• Mar–May: New leaves and flowering
• Jun–Aug: Pod development and ripening
• Sep–Dec: Dry pods may persist; foliage stable or partially thinned depending on conditions