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ETHNOBOTANY DATABASE
Geissospermum reticulatum
Family: Apocynaceae
Quichua: Challua Caspi
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Description |
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Description |
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Description |
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Description |
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Photo by Tod Swanson
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Challua Caspi is a relatively scarce tree that grows in old growth forest. The name of the tree derives from the fact that the markings on its bark resembles the coloring and texture of a fish species called “challua”. It is used primarily as a medicine as a remedy for stomach problems as well as for muscle aches and pains. To prepare the medicine a section of bark is selected from the east or west sides of the tree (the sides where the sun hits the tree). The spirit owner of the tree is asked for permission before the bark is cut. The bark is then boiled down into a thick bitter liquid and ingested. The taste of Challua Caspi is very bitter. Biting into its bark tastes like biting into a penicillin capsule. For a more potent remedy challua caasp bark is mixed with the bark of amarun caspi (Cespedezia spatulata).
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