Caapi: Banisteriopsis (C)
Caballera de Venus: Adiantum (C)
Caballeros: Souroubea (C)
Caballito: Gyrocarpus (N); Jacaranda (C); Tecoma (C)
Caballocup: Caryocarp (CR)
Cabalonga: Fevillea (CR); Thevetia (C)
Cabazuelo: Stachytarpheta (P)
Cabbage: Brassica (E)
Cabbagebark: Andira (E)
Cabecita: Ammandra (C)
Cabellos de angel: Clematis (CR); Cuscuta (CR)
Cabeza de leon: Coccoloba (C)
Cabeza de loro: Eugenia (C)
Cabeza de negrito: Guazuma (P)
Cabeza de negro: Ammandra (C); Bulbostylis (C); Dioscorea (C,P); Guazuma (D); Manicaria (P); Phytelephas (P)
Cabeza de toro: Stanhopea (C)
Cabeza de vaca: Calytocarpus (CR)
Cabezona: Calea (C); Paspalum (D)
Cabi: Coffea (Cu)
Cabismo: Copaifera (D)
Cablote: Guazuma (S)
Cabo de Indio: Iryanthera (C)
Cabuya: Furcraea (CR)
Caca: Bursera (S); Cariodendron (C)
Cacahuanance: Gliricidia (S)
Cacahuate: Arachis (C)
Cacaloguiste de flor quemada: Godmania (N)
Cacalojiche: Plumeria (CR)
Cacama: Bidens (C)
Cacao: Theobroma (S)
Cacao de ardilla: Herrania (CR)
Cacao blanco: Theobroma (P)
Cacao calabacillo: Theobroma (CR)
Cacao cimarron: Herrania (P); Morisonia (C); Theobroma (P)
Cacao de Costa Rica: Herrania (C); Theobroma (C)
Cacao criollo: Theobroma (CR)
Cacao mani: Herrania (CR)
Cacao de mico: Theobroma (CR)
Cacao de monte: Herrania (CR); Pachira (C,N)
Cacao de playa: Pachira (N)
Cacao silvestre: Enallagma (CR); Theobroma (CR)
Cacao volandor: Virola (S)
Cacha: Dolichos (C); Phaseolus (C)
Cachaco: Musa (C); Posoqueria (C)
Cachanhula: Swietenia (Cu)
Cachas: Phaseolua (C)
Cachimbo: Erythrina (C); Platymiscium (CR); Posoqueria (C)
Cachimolivo: Thevetia (C)
Cachipay: Guilielma (C)
Cachito: Acacia (P); Myrmecodendron (P); Tabernaemontana (N)
Cachito de aromo: Acacia (N)
Cachitor: Tabernaemontana (CR)
Cacho de venado: Dendropanax (CR); Lycopodium (C); Xylosma (C)
Cachu: Iriartea (C); Socratea (C)
Cachuda: Iriartea (C); Socratea (C)
Cacin: Mimosa (Ch)
Cacique: Brosimum (P); Diphysa (P); Eugenia (CR,P); Pseudolmedia (P)
Cacique blanco: Eugenia (P)
Cacique carey: Piratinera (P)
Caco: Jacaranda (C)
Cadanari: Mauritiella (C)
Cadena de amor: Antigonon (P)
Cadenilla: Schnella (C)
Cadenillo: Banara (C)
Cadeno: Albizia (S)
Cadi: Phytelephas (C)
Cadillo: Bidens (P); Cenchrus (P); Cyathula (P); Priva (P); Triumfetta (P)
Cadillo blanco: Acaena (C)
Cadmia: Cananga (C)
CAESALPINIA CRISTA L. Nickernut (E); Seabean (E); Calentura (P); Mato (P) . The seeds,
sometimes used in necklaces are considered febrifugal, periodic, tonic, and vesicant. they are used
to treat colic, convulsions, hydrocele, leprosy, and palsy. The oil from the seeds is said to soften the
skin and remove pimples. The bark is antiperiodic and rubefacient. the plant is used to counteract
toothache. A leaf decoction is used a a collyrium. In Colombia the seeds are used to make maracas
(!).
CAESALPINIA PULCHERRIMA Sw. Barbados pride (E); Bird of Paradise flower (E); Angelite
(C); Flor de Pavo (C); Flower fence (E): Clavellina (C,CR); Gallito (P). Widely cultivated, the plant
is purgative and is used for epilepsy.
Cafe: Coffea (S)
Cafecillo: Psychotria (CR); Trophis (N)
Cafe cimarron: Canna (P)
Cafe del diablo: Casearia (C)
Cafe de Liberia: Coffea (S)
Cafe de pobre: Cassia (C)
Cagajon: Zuelania (P)
Cagalero: Celtis (C); Clethra (C); Randia (C); Ximenia (C)
Cagalero comestible: Celtis (N)
Caguaso: Paspalum (C)
Caguimo: Erythroxylum (C)
Cai: Saccharum (Cu)
Caiba: Cyclanthera (CR)
Caidata: Ocotea (C); Ouratea (C)
Caifa: Cyclanthera (CR); Elateriopsis (CR)
Caimancillo: Agonandra (C)
Caimaron: Pourouma (C)
Caimillo: Miconia (CR)
Caimitillo: Bumelia (P)
Caimito: Crysophyllum (CR,P,C); Vismia (C)
Caimito cimarron: Chrysophyllum (S)
Caimito de monte: Ximenia (C)
Caimito-pumarejo: Lacmellia (C)
Caimo: Chrysophyllum (C); Lucuma (C); Pouteria (C)
Caimo blanco: Lucuma (C)
Cainca: Chiococca (C)
Cainillo: Miconia (P)
Cainillo de cerro: Miconia (P)
Caja: Capsicum (Cu)
CAJANUS CAJAN Millsp. Pigeonpea (E); Chicharos (S); Frijol de palo (P); Guandu (C,P);
Gungo Peas (J); Quimbo lillo (CR); Timbolillo (CR) . The young seeds are eaten like green
peas, a Panama favorite called arroz con guandu. Around La Nueva, Colombia, the leaves are used
as a remedy for bat bites. The leaves and shoots contain about 9% protein.
Cajetajo: Inga (Ch)
Cajeto: Trichanthera (C)
Cajon: Platypodium (C)
Cajuaya: Mauritiella (C)
Cala: Zantedeschia (CR)
Calaba: Calophyllum (P)
Calabacero: Capparis (C); Crescentia (CR)
Calabacillo: Capparis (C); Morisonia (C); Sterculia (CR)
Calabacillo de la playa: Enallagma (CR)
Calabasa : Crescentia (S); Cucurbita (P); Lagenaria (CR); Luffa (P)
Calabash: Crescentia (E)
Calabash, black: Enallagma (E)
Calabash gourd: Lagenaria (E)
Calabash tree: Crescentia (E)
Calabash vine: Drymonia (B)
Calabasuero: Morisonia (C); Steudelia (C)
Calabazuelo: Pachira (C)
Calabomba: Iresine (C)
Calaguala: Polypodium (C)
Calalu: Amaranthus (P); Phytolacca (P)
Calambuca: Calophyllum (C)
CALATHEA ALLOUIA Lindl. Sweet cornroot (E); Bijao (P); Faldita morada (P); Irwa (Cu);
Kakiska (Cu); Sal (P) . The tubers and young flower heads are eaten cooked. The leaves
are used for wrapping food by Cuna, Choco, and Negro, and judging from the name "sal", impart
some flavor. They are sold in the markets in Turbo (!). This was once described as the most
necessary plant in Panama to cover newly born babies, to make blankets, mattresses, and
pillows, for umbrellas, to cover cargo and keep water from bouncing out of water jugs,
to make baskets, and to wrap "bollos". One can rarely pass a Choco hut without finding a few
plantains, wrapped in bijao, roasting over the ashes in the fireplace (!). In colombia, the bijao often
envelops a mixture of corn and rice (!). The bijao also plays a role in Choco witchcraft. the blood
of a freshly decapitated nequi is hidden in the leaf of bijao with another "secret" leaf. The witch
doctor returns in 7 days and finds a special breed of wasps which he carefully collects. He can then
command them to sting a victim near the heart, inflicting an incurable malecia (!).
CALATOLA sp. The fruits are edible.
Calavera: Acineta (C); Peristeria (C)
CALEA PRUNIFOLIA H.B.K. Escobilla (P). The leaves are used for treating itch, dandruff, and
hives. Other species are considered sudorific.
CALEA GLOMERATA Klatt: Carrasposa, Chicharron
CALEA PENNELLII Blake: Cabezona, Carrosposa
CALEA TERNIFOLIA H.B.K. Carrasposa
CALEA YURUPARINA Cuatr. Kubeo
CALENDULA OFFICINALIS L. Calendula, Maravillosa
Calentura: Asclepias (C); Caesalpinia (P); Chloroleucon (C)
Caliguate: Heliconia (CR)
Calingueiro: Mellinis (P)
CALOCARPUM MAMMOSUM Pierre. Sapote (E); Mamey (C,P). The fruits are edible raw (!)
or made into preserves. Ground seeds are used to flavor chocolate. The diuretic seed oil is used in
epilepsy, cold remedies, and for hairdressing, said to restore fallen hair. The large seeds were once
used in iron linens. Empty seed testae were formerly used as snuff boxes.
CALONYCTION ACULEATUM House. Moonflower (E); Bejuco de vaca (S); Galan de noche
(C). The leaves and calyces are used as a potherb, and young seeds are eaten. Contact with the plant
may cause itching. The latex is used for coagulating rubber.
CALOPHYLLUM BRAZILIENSE Camb. Maria (S) . This is an important timber tree
exported from Darien (!). The fruits are eaten by hogs and an oil is extracted from the seeds. The
latex is used for caulking and medicine (!).
CALYCOPHYLLUM CANDIDISSIMUM DC. Lemonwood (E); Alazano (P); Conejo (CR);
Harino (P); Madrono (D); Salamo (CR,P); Surra (CR) . This is a fine lumber, used for
everything from combs to charcoal. the bark is used to treat stomach ulcers.
Calzoncillo: Passiflora (P)
Camacalarta: Passiflora (S)
Camajon: Sterculia (C)
Camajondura: Sterculia (C)
Camajuru: Sterculia (C)
Camanguchi: Mauritia (C)
Camargo: Chaenocephalus (C); Montanoa (C)
Camargo chico: Verbesina crassiramea (C)
Camarin: Clerodendrum (C)
Camaron: Annona (P); Iresine (CR); Maytenus (C)
Camaroncillo: Hirtella (P)
Camaroncito: Myrica (D)
Camasey: Miconia (C)
Camasey amarillo: Miconia (C)
Camasey esquinado: Miconia (C)
Camasey morado: Miconia(C)
Camasey negro: Henriettelia (C)
Camasey peludo: Henriettelia (C)
Cambulo: Erythrina (C)
Camelia: Clerodendrum (P)
Camella: Clerodendrum (P)
Camfine: Trichilia (B)
Camiba: Copaifera (P)
Camibar: Copaifera (P); Prioria (CR,N)
Caminadera: Lycopodium (C)
Camote: Ipomoea (S)
Camotillo: Curcuma (CR)
Campana: Laplacea (CR); Loasa (CR)
Campanilla : Bradburya (P); Centrosema (P); Enterolobium (C); Thevetia (P)
Campano: Enterolobium (C); Guarea (CR); Pithecellobium (C); Samanea (C)
Campanola: Ipomoea (S)
Campanula: Cobaea (CR)
Campeche: Haematoxylon (C)
CAMPELIA ZANONIA H.B.K. Coyontura (S). This plant is used for venereal diseases.
CAMPNOSPERMA PANAMENSIS Stand. Sajo (C) . An economically important plant is
said to occupy 97,000 hectares on the Choco.
CAMPOMANESIA LINEATIFOLIA Ruiz & Pav. Michinche (C). the fruit is edible raw, but the seeds
should be avoided. The pulp makes jelliles and marmalades on par with guava jelly.
Cana de azucar: Saccharum (S)
Cana blanca: Gynerium (P)
Canaboba: Gynerium (C)
Cana brava: Anrira (C); Arundo (C); Bactris (P); Chusquea (CR); Gynerium (C,P)
Canac: Cannabis (S)
Cana caijino: Bactris (W)
Cana de castilla: Gynerium (CR)
Cana de danta: Geonoma (S)
Cana de danto: Vernonia (CR)
Canadonga: Cassia (C); Pithecellobium (C)
Cana dulce: Licania (C)
Cana fistula: Brasilettia (C); Cassia (P); Tachigalia (CR)
Cana fistula macho: Cassia (C)
Cana fistula de monte: Leucaena (C)
Cana flecha: Gynerium (C)
Canaguate: Tabebuia (C); Tecoma (C)
Cana de la India: Taetsia (CR); Tripsacum (CR)
Canajira: Geonoma (C)
Canajo: Spondias (Cu)
Canaleao: Paullinia (C)
Canalete: Cordia (C)
Canalua: Platypodium (D)
Cana de mico: Costus (P)
Canamo: Cannabis (C)
Cana de molinillo: Chamaedorea (C); Geonoma (C)
Cana muda: Dieffenbachia (C)
Cana de muela: Piper (CR)
Canana: Geonoma (C)
Canadonga: Cassia (C)
Cananga: Cananga (C)
Canangucha: Mauritia (C)
Canasacanja: Pseudelephantopus (Cu)
Cana de San Pablo: Bactris (C); Morenia (C)
Canastilla: Aristolochia (CR); Hibiscus (C)
CANAVALIA ENSIFORMIS DC. Jack bean (E); Coca (D); Quemasusu (Ch); Sia (Cu) .
The pods may be eaten boiled. Unripe seeds are reputely poisonous; ripe seeds are roasted as a
coffee substitute.
Cana verde: Chamaedorea (P)
Cana de vibora: Chamaedorea (C); Morenia (C)
Canaza: Bambusa (P); Guadua (P)
CANCER: A malignant tumor of any type. Treated with Adenanthera, Argemone, Carica,
Haematoxylon, Hamelia, Piper, Renealmia, Tussacia.
Cancer de loma: Acanthospermum australe (C)
Cancha: Phaseolus (C)
Canchalagua: Erythrina (C); Euphorbia (C)
Canchi: Bixa (Ch); Metteniusa (S)
Canchu: Corioria (C)
Candeabsurguit: Pseudelephantopus (Cu)
Candela: Antirrhea (P)
Candelabro: Lemaireocereus (S)
Candelero: Oreopanax (C)
Candelillo: Cassia (CR); Cupania (P); Magnolia (CR); Tecoma (CR)
Candelito: Chamaesenna (CR)
Candelo: Hieronyma (C); Pittoniotis (P); Rondeletia (P,C)
Candia: Abelmoschus (C)
Candil: Amyris (C)
Candelnut: Aleurites (E)
CANDLENUTS: Seeds or fruits which are strung and burned like candles. Aleurites, Ceiba,
Chrysobalanus, Cocos, Corozo, Dialyanthera, Dipteryx, Jatropha, Licania, Virola.
Candle tree: Parmentiera (E)
Candlewood: Gynerium (E)
Cane: Gynerium (E)
Caneja: Costus (C)
Canela: Cinnamomum (P); Platypodium (P)
Canelillo: Ocotea (CR)
Canelito: Isertia (P)
Canellito: Miconia (CR)
Canelo: Drimys (C); Nectandra (C,CR); Ocotea (CR)
Canelo de Parmo: Drimys (C)
Canelon: Cephalocereus (C); Lemaireocereus (C); Peperomia (C)
Caney: Maytenus (C)
Cangrejo: Anemopaegma (C); Clytostoma (C)
Canguil: Zea (C)
Canilla de mula: Hyptis (CR); Miconia (CR); Triplaris (CA)
Canilla de pollo: Justicia (P)
Canilla de venado: Hamelia (N); Miconia (C)
Canillito: Conostegia (P); Miconia (CR)
Canillo: Miconia (P)
Canillo de cerro: Miconia (CR)
Canime: Copaifera (C); Prioria (C)
Canirico: Xylosma (Cu)
Caniva: Copaifera (P)
Canizo: Hymenachne (C)
Canjaro: Cordia (C)
Canjura: Strychnos (P)
CANNA spp. Canna (E); Achira (C); Achiva (S); Bandera de uriba (C); Cafe cimarron (P); Capacho
(C); Chisgua (C); Chumbima (C); Maraca (Ch) . The roots of some species serve as a
source of starch allowed to diabetics (!). The seeds are used in necklaces, rattles, and popguns. the
leaves are used for wrapping food. Leaves and tubers serve as fodder. In certain parts of Colombia,
cakes are made from the flour extracted from the roots. the plant is considered diuiretic and
emollient. Necklaces of the seeds, sometimes accompanied with the teeth of the fish payara, are
supposed to drive off the "mal de ojo" and to make the teeth grow strong. The leaves and rhizomes
are considered refrigerant and rubefacient, and are recommended for epilepsy. The leaves are used
as cataplasm fo0r hernias.
CANNABIS SATIVA L. Hemp (E); Canac (J); Canamo (C); Ganja (J); Marijuana (S) . The
parched, oily seeds are highly nutritious. The oil is used for illumination and rheumatism. Only
recently, the leaves, which are used as a tobacco substitute, have been linked with cancer,
emphysema, or heart disease.
Canoeto: Platypodium (C)
Canotillo: Piper (CR)
Cansa cerro: Margyricarpus (C)
Cansa mozo: Borreria (P)
Cansamuela: Inga (C)
Cansa Perro: Salvia (P); Margyricarpus (C)
Cantagallo: Erythrina (C)
Cantarillo: Conostegia (CR); Cupania (CR)
Canteloupe: Cucumis (E)
Canuela trepadora: Lasiacis (S)
Canutillo: Campelia (CR); Ewuisetum (C); Melampodium (CR); Pariana (C); Zebrina (CR)
Canyack: Cannabis (P)
Caoba: Guarea (CR); Spathodea (C); Swietenia (S)
Caoba africana: Trichilia (C)
Caoba americana: Swietenia (C)
Caobillo: Carapa (CR); Guarea (CR)
Caobono: Cariniana (C)
Capa: Cordia (S)
Capacho: Canna (C)
Capacunga: Potentilla (C)
Caparrapi: Aniba (C); Nectandra (C); Ocotea (C)
Caparrosa: Vismia (C)
Cape: Clusia (C)
Capecito: Ternstroemia (C)
Caper: Capparis (E)
Capera: Sterculia (Cu)
Capesillo: Clusia (C)
Capilote: Miconia (CR)
Capirote: Bellucia (N); Miconia (CR)
Capirote Blanco: Miconia (CR)
Capitana: Desmodium (C); Neurolaena (CR)
Capitana de corazon: Aristolochia (C)
Capitancillo: Pentaclethra (C)
Capote: Machaerium (C)
Capotillo: Anthurium (C)
CAPPARIS SPINOSA L. Caper (E); Alcaparras (S) . Pickled flower buds are the capers of
commerce, much used in Colombia, but rare in Panama. In Colombia, buds of species of Cassia,
pickled in sour vinegar with cloves, have been falsely sold as capers. Some Capparis spp. are
reported to have poisonous fruits, but those of C. pittieri taste like Solanum quitensis (!).
CAPRARIA BIFLORA L. Cola de gallo (P); Hierba te (P) . the leaves, used in treating
uterine disorders and diabetes, are said to prevent falling hair.
CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS L. Red pepper (E); Aji (P); Aji picante (S); Caja (Cu); Chile (P); Kapur
(Cu); Rocoto (C) . Red pepper, commonly cultivated and escaped, is not so much used in
Panama as it is in Mexico. In Africa, the fruits or leaves are taken as antidotes after eating poisonous
fish. In San Bas, Indians string hot peppers behind their boats as shark repellents (!). Powdered and
dried, the pimento is converted into paprika. The leaves are used to flavor stews or as a potherb,
with 4-6% protein. Red pepper has many medicinal attributes. Some South American Indians use
a pepper collyrium to improve the sharpness of their vision. The fruit is regarded as stimulant,
stomachic, and rubefacient. It is taken internally in cholera, for sore throat, phthisis, given with
cinchona for malaria, prescribed in ague, cholera, dropsy, dyspepsia, gout, malaria, snakebite, and
typhus; used externally for giddiness, earache, and hemorroids. In Panama, a poultice of pepper
leaves is used for softening boils. The following story would suffer in translation: "Friede ha sacado
a luz el episodio de la mujer e un encomendero del alto Magdalena, que por celos de una India, en
un gesto larguiano le metio un platano untado de aji por la natura." In Ailigandi, pepper and cacao
are burned for 7 or 9 days to ward off evil spirits (!). Elsewhere the fruits are burned to drive off rats.
The "ajillo", Capsicum baccatum, is also common. The green fruit is pickled and the ripe fruit is
used in salads and sauces. The green pepper is cultivated among the Cuna, who call it caja.
Capuchino: Tropaeolum (CR)
Capulamate: Ficus (CR)
Capuli: Ardisia (C)
Capulin: Mutingia (S); Trema (S)
Capulin blanco: Mutingia (S); Trema (S)
Capulincillo: Trema (S)
Capulin macho: Dicraspidia (CR); Trema (P)
Capulin sabanero: Belotia (N)
Caqui: Caryocar (C)
Caraco: Coussapoa (C)
Caracol: Gynandropsis (C)
CAracola: Achimenes (C); Kohleria (C)
Caracoli: Anacardium (C)
Caracolito: Lithospermum (C)
Caracucha: Bradburya (P); Centrosema (P); Plumeria (P)
Caracuru: Arrabidea
Carago: Cassia (C)
Caragra: Lippia (CR)
Caragre: Lippia (CR)
Caraguala: Epiphyllum (C)
Caraguata: Tillandsia (C)
Carajito: Eugenia (C)
Caramano: Cassia (N)
Carambano: Cassia (N)
Carambola: Averrhoa (E)
Carana : Bursera (CR); Carpotroche (CR); Casearia (P); Dacryodes (C); Protium (C,CR,P); Trattinnickia (P); Zuelania (P)
Carana: Mauritia (C); Mauritiella (C)
Caranganito: Cassia (C)
Caranon: Zuelania (P)
Carao: Cassia (CR,P); Lonchocarpus (CR)
CARAPA GUIANENSIS Aubl.: Bastard Manogany (E); Crabwood (E); Cedro bateo (P); Huino (C);
Masabolo (C); Tangare (D). the poisonous seeds of this timber species, are considered anthelmintic,
antihepatic, antirheumatic, antisplenitic, antitetanic, insecticidal, and purgative. Oil from the seeds
is used for soap, illumination, and insect repellent. Arount La Nueva, the fruits are used to combat
acute arthritis. the wood is used for dugouts in Colombia.
Caraapato: Hirtella (P)
Carare: Aristolochia (C)
Carasola: Boerhaavia (P)
Carate: Bomarea (C); Bursera (P); Diphysa (C); Vismia (C)
Caratero: Bursera (C)
Caratosa: Bursera (C)
Carbasuela: Terminalia (P)
Carbon: Calliandra (P); Prosopis (CR)
Carboncillo: Acacia (CR); Calliandra (CR); Swartzia (CR); Sweetia (CR); Tecoma (CR); Terminalia (P)
Carboncillo blanco: Calliandra (CR)
Carboncillo rojo: Bejaria (C); Calliandra (C,CR)
Carbonero: Abarema (C); Acacia (C); Befaria (C); Byrsonima (D); Calliandra (C); Guarea (CR); Licania (C); Lindackeria (P); Marila (C); Mayna (C); Mosquitoxylum (P); Oncoba (P)
Carbonero de amunicion: Colubrina (P)
Carbonero de sombrio: Albizia (C)
Carcanapire: Croton (C)
Carcuera: Platypodium (P)
Carda: Dipsacus (C)
Cardenal: Euphorbia (C)
Cardenillo: Ilex (C)
CARDIAC: A substance supposed beneficial to the heart. Achras, Citrus, Coffes, Gomphrena,
Persea, Phoebe, Polypodium, Tamarindus
Cardinal flower: Lobelia (E)
CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM L. Balloonvine (E); Farolito (C) . The young foliage
is used as a potherb. The seeds are tonic, febrifugal, and diaphoretic.
Cardo: Cirsium (CR)
Cardo espinoso: Silybum marainum (C)
Cardo Santo: Silybum marianum (C)
Cardon: Cereus (CR); Cirsium (CR); Lemairocereus (C)
Cardon morado: Silybum marianum (C)
Cardosanto: Argemone (C,CR); Coccoloba (C)
Caregre: Picramnia (CR)
Carey vegetal: Zanthoxylum (C)
Cargadero: Guatteria (C); Rollinia (C); Trema (C); Unonopsis (C)
Cargadita: Zornia (C)
Cargamanta: Phytolacca (C)
Cargarrocio: Alchemilla (C)
Carianabo: Pilea (C)
Cariaquita: Lantana (C)
CARICA PAPAYA L. Papaya (E,S); Kwarkwatta (Cu); Papanajo (Ch) . Food comes from
the papaya in many forms. When ripe, the fruit may be as large as a watermelon, and the pulp is
sweet and orange. It consists of about 90% water, but is righ in vitamin A. The flavor is quite
peculiar, and it may not be acceptable to some Yankees, who relegate it to the survival rather than
the luxury category it enjoys among tropical people. Fruits are usually eaten with salt and pepper.
The seeds, pleasantly mustard flavored, may be eaten, although they may have medicinal properties.
Some speculate that they may be the mustard seeds referred to in the Bible. Papaya fruits are
preserved as a candy or confection, a paste, a puree or syrup, and a canned juice. Green fruits serve
as vegetables. Boiled in slices, they may be mashed and mixed with lime juice and sugar to make
a substitute for applesauce. They are also cooked in curries and pickled. The green fruit, peeled,
boiled, cut into small pieces, and served with sweet oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, serves as a potable
vegetable. Some ethnic groups like a beverage made of cooked, mashed, green fruits. Younger parts,
such as leaves and flower buds, are eaten raw in salads, or more frequently, cooked as a vegetable.
They contain 5-8% protein . The presence of digestive enzymes might render this
practice dangerous. Water should be changed a couple of times before these vegetables are eaten.
Raw latex is said to induce itching and blistering. Nonetheless, the Ailigandi Cuna apply the latex
to infected sores, one application of which clears up the infection (!). The pith of young stems has
also served as a famine food in the East Indies. Papaya leaves are used to tenderize meat. Natives
frequently wrap meat overnight in papaya leaves, cook in the leaves, or drop a little latex in the
cooking vessel. Meat so tenderized may have a peculiar flavor. Some people claim that animals, fed
the seeds before slaughter, have more tender meat. Leaves are employted iin washing clothes. PUlp
of the ripe fruit has served in shampoos and face creams. Leaves may serve as a tobacco substitute.
The latex is widely used to remove warts, freckles, and other blemishes. Other uses are as an
anthelmentic, discutient, fungicide , stomachic, suppurative, and as a treatment
for hemoptysis, internal ulcers, psoriasis, and scorpian stings, as well as diptheria. In Cuba, it is
prescribed for the removal of cancerous growths. The leaves are considered amebicidal and
antiasthmatic, and a decoction is used as an application to elephantoid growths and ulcers, as
emmenagogue, febrifugal, and pectoral. Hot leaves are applied as an anodyne for nervous
headaches. They are bound over ulcers . Green fruits are recommended for enteritis
in Cuba. Ripe fruits are chologogue; eaten daily at breakfast, they are the tropical "apple a day" to
promote regularity. Dried fruits are said to improve enlarged spleens. The seeds are considered
anthelmintic, ecbolic, and emmenagogic. Among the Salaqui Choco, lactating mothers avoid
papaya, believing it will cause colic in the infant. Some believe it will induce abortion. The wild
papaya is known to the natives as tapaculo. They claim that the seeds germinate in acid media, as
found in the stomach. Another "superstition" may have some factual basis. Some papays are strictly
male and naturally bear no fruit. Native believe they can make the tree fertile by inscribing the cross
in the trunk. Such trees, in some documentated cases, become bisexual. The tree appears to be like
the avocado, one that needs to be beaten occasionally to continue bearing. The scientific explanation
for this "superstition" is termed "traumatic reversion". One wild papaya, whose trunk had been
severed about 2 weeks earlier, was observed in full flower.
Caricia: Spigelia (C)
Carillo: Phyllanthus (N)
CARINIANA sp. Abarco (C); Chibuga (C) . Choco Indians use the hardwood for dugouts,
and claim the seeds are edible (!). The inner bark is used for cordage (!). The fruits are usesd for
making pipes.
CARIODENDRON ORINOCENSE Karst. Inche (C); Tacay(C). The seeds are edible roasted.
Caripacunga: Alchemilla (C); Potentilla (C)
Carita: Albizia (C)
Carito: Enterolobium (C); Pithecellobium (C)
Carleya: Cattleya (C)
CARLUDOVICA OERSTEDII Ruiz & Pav. Hat palm (E); Atadero (P); Iraca (C); Jipijapa (P);
Kuskin (Cu); Naguala (D); Guachivan (P); Lucatero (C); Lucua (C); Oropo (Ch); Porto Rico (P);
Sabalet (Cu); Soso (Cu); Toquillo (P); Sombonaza (C) . Young leaves are eaten as a salad
(!). The leaves are used to make hats (!), baskets (!), brooms, fly swatters, etc. the inner portions of
the lower leafstalks and the berries are quite edible (!). Rhizomes are used as a salad and potherb
in various parts of Latin America. In 1538, Juan de Vadillo and his conquistadores lived for days
on nothing but Iraca for food. To this day, the growing points or nacumas are eaten, with a flavor
suggesting asparagus.
Carmana: Chamaedorea (C); Geonoma (C)
Carmen: Trixis (E)
Carmesi: Sickingia (C)
Carmin: Rivina (P)
CARMINATIVE: A substance which relieves flatulence (swelling of the stomach or intestines due
to gases), and alleviates the pain. Achras, Achyranthes, Allium, Caesalpinia, Capraria,
Cardiospermum, Carica, Centella, Centrosema, Chenopodium, Corchorus, Coriandrum, Croton,
Cymbopogon, Drepanocarpus, Entada, Eryngium, Hyptis, Ipomoea, Mikania, Momordica, Ocimum,
Pothomorphe, Psidium, Ricinus, Sida, Spondias, Tamarindus, Terminalia, Xylopia, Zebrina,
Zingiber.
Carne asado : Andira (CR); Cassia (C); Cochlospermum (C); Cupania (CR)
Carne de vaca: Vochysia (C)
Carne fiambre: Curatella (C); Panopsis (C); Roupala (C)
Carnestolenda: Cochlospermum (C)
Carnezuelo: Acacia (N)
Carnica en el Peru: Lantana (C)
Caro: Enterolobium (C)
Carob: Ceratonia (E)
Carola: Thunbergia (C)
Carpenter bush: Justicia (E)
Carpetweed: Mollugo (E)
Carra: Hampea (C); Huberodendron (C)
Carraspique: Iberis (C)
Carrasposa: Eupatorium bullata (C); Calea sp. (C)
Carrasavillo: Callea (C)
Carrecito: Aristolochia (CR)
Carretillo: Aspidiosperma (C); Randia (C)
Carreto: Aspidiosperma (P,C); Vismia (C)
Carreton: Trifolium (C)
Carreton de agua: Marsilea (C)
Carretoncito: Medicago (C)
Carricillo: Chusquea (P); Lasiacis (P); Olvra (P)
Carricillo trepador: Lasiacis (CR)
Carrielitos: Calceolaria (C)
Carrizo: Arthrostylidium (CR); Arundo (C); Lasiacis (P); Merostachys (CR); Tabernaemontana (C)
Carro caliente: Coccoloba (CR); Eugenia (CR)
Carrot: Daucus (E)
Carrumio: Ternstroemia (C)
Cartageno: Pseudobombax (C)
Cartagueno: Rudgea (C)
Cartucho: Zantedeschia (CR)
Caruto: Genipa (C)
Caruya: Eichhornia (C)
CARYOCAR AMYGDALIFERUM Mutis: Achiotillo (C); Ajo (P); Almendron (C); Almendron cagui
(C); Mani (C) . The edible seeds are high in oil content. In Colombia, the oil is called aceite
de piquia and is used for cooking and medicine.
CARYOCAR sp.: Genene. Used for boatmaking. Nuts said to be edible.
Carvu: Sterculia (CR)
Cas: Psidium (CR)
Casabana: Sicana (E)
Cas acida: Psidium (CR)
Casaco: Hieronyma (C); Sloanea (P)
Casa de hormigas: Acacia (C)
Casamarucha: Xanthium catharticum (C)
Casasco: Sloanea (P)
Cascabel: Alonsoa (C); Silene (C)
Cascajero: Miconia (C)
Cascalote: Libidivia (C)
Cascara amarga: Picramnea (P)
Cascara de yuca: Alchornea (C)
Cascara sagrada: Rhamnus (C)
Cascarilla boba: Ladenbergia (C)
Cascarillo negra: Heisteria (C)
Cascarilla roja: Cinchona (C); Ladenbergia (C)
Cascarillo: Clematis (C); Croton (C); Crudia (C)
Casco de marte: Aconitum (C)
Casco de vaca: Bauhinia (C)
Casco de venado: Ampelocera (C); Bauhinia (CR)
Cascha: Mimosa (CR)
Cascua: Cupania (CR)
Cas dulce: Psidium (CR)
CASEARIA sp. Wild cherry (E); Huesito (C): Raspa-lengua (P). The berries are edible but nearly
tasteless (!). They are frequently consumed by bushmen along the trail (!).
CASEARIA SYLVESTRIS Sw. Cortalengua (P); Dondequiera (C); Mahajo (C); Palo de la cruz (D).
The fruits are probably edible, and the flowers are attractive to bees. Macerated roots are used in
decoction to treat wounds and leprosy in Brazil. The seeds yield an oil used to treat leprosy.
Cas extrangero: Psidium (CR)
Cashaw: Prosopis (P)
Cashew: Anacardium (E)
CASIMIROA EDULIS Llave. White sapote (E); Matasano (C,P). The fruit is edible, and the seeds
are said to possess hypnotic properties. Ground into powder the seeds are supposed to cure external
ulcers.
Caspi: Toxicodendron (C); Rhus (C)
Caspicaracha: Rhus (C)
Cassava: Manihot (E)
CASSIA ALATA L. Cure-all (E); Bajagua (C); Dorance (C); Hierba de playa (C); Laureno (P);
Lenguevaca (C); Lucutema (C); Lucutena (C); Majaguilla (C); Majaguillo (C); Mocuteno (C); Wild
Senna (J) . The leaves are anthelmintic, fungicidal, insecticidal, possibly piscicidal. the
roots are used to treat rheumatism and stomach ache in Almirante (!). The plant is also used to treat
stomach aches, venereal diseases, and snakebite.
CASSIA BICAPSULARIS L. Bicho (C); Bombito (C); Cafe de pobre (C). Toasted seeds are used as
a coffee substitute. The plant is regarded as antiasthmatic, antihemorrhoidic, febrifugal, laxative,
and insecticidal. In Costa Rica, stems and leaves are used with roots of ratania to treat piles.
CASSIA FISTULA L. Golden-shower (E); Cana fistula (P); Marianunut (Cu) . The flowers
are edible. The pulp of the pods is used to flavor tobacco and as a laxative. Parched leaves are eaten
as a mild laxative with other foods. The bark has been used in tanning.
CASSIA GRANDIS L.f. Stinking toe (E); Cana fistula (P); Carao (CR); Sandalo (CR); Saragundin
(CR) . The malodorous pulp around the seed is edible but purgative. The leaves, crushed
in lard, are used to treat mange in Guatemala.
CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS L. Senna (E); Bicho (C); Frijolillo (P); Potra (C) . Young leaves
and pods are edible cooked; roasted seeds are substituted for coffee and the flowers are eaten in
famines. Root bark serves as a quinine substitute and is used to treat gonorrhea. The seeds,
considered poisonous undried, are febrifugal and purgative; they are used to treat ringworm. A
decoction is used for cataracts.
CASSIA RETICULATA Willd. Bicutema (C); Corance (C); Inanabiske (Cu); Laureno (D); Piria (Cu);
Saragundi (CR,CR/ROC); Sorocontil (CR/ROC); Wild Senna (CR/ROC,J); Martingalvis (C).
Choco Indians say they have no use for this tree, but it occurs at many of their home sites. Perhaps
they have a mustical use for the plant. The Bayano Cuna use the plant as a stomach ache remedy (!).
Aleaf ilnfusionis used to treat ringworm elsewhere and they use the plant for liver afflictions in
Colombia. Darien Negros use seven leaves boiled in water for a purgative. They also used the same
tea to wash dogs with mange. Rio Congo Negro women who have not borne children drink a tea of
15 leaves of laureno with a nickel's worth of anis. If still sterile after 6 months of the treatment,
divorce is in order (!).
CASSIA SIAMEA Lam. Siamese senna (E); Casia de Siam (S) . The leaves have served as
a famine food; flowers sometimes are eaten in curries. The seeds are toxic to hogs.
CASSIA TOMENTOSA L.f. Alcaparro (C). Buds are substituted for capers and leaf infusions are
used for typhus and dysentery.
CASSIA TORA L. Senna (E); Dormidera (S) . The leaves are piscicidal, and may be applied
to ulcers and other skin ailments. Seeds, eaten during famines, are roasted as a coffee substitute.
They are used to treat cheloid, leprosy, plague, psoriasis, and ringworm. The leaves and young fruits
are boiled as a potherb with rice. Leaves and shoots contain about 6% protein.
Castana : Compsoneura (C); Licania (C); Matisia (C); Montrichardia (P); Sterculia (S)
Castana de maranon: Bertholletia (C)
Castaneto: Hura (C); Thevetia (C)
CASTILLA ELASTICA Cerv. Rubber (E); Caucho negro (C); Ibude (Ch); Mastate blanco (P); Ule
(P) . The latex is used to make balls and bottles, for waterproofing clothing, and caulking
boats. The bark is used to make clothing among the Choco (!).
CASTILLA FALLAX O.F.Cook. Rubber (E); Caucho (P); Ule (P). The bark is used for making cloth
and the latex is used for caulking.
Castor bean: Ricinus (E)
CASUARINA EQUISETIFOLIA L. Australian pine (E); Beefwood (E); Pino (S); Pino de Australia
(C) . Potable water may be obtained from the shoots. Its logs will sink, but it is very good
firewood which burns green and makes good charcoal. The fruit is mixed with powdered nutmeg
to treat toothaches. Ashes are used to make soap. the bark is rich in tannin, and is said to be
antidysenteric, emmenagogic, and ecbolic. It is used in gargles for sore throat.
Catalina: Clibadium (D); Dahlia (CR)
Catamericuchye: Cochlospermum (N)
Catapanza: Passiflora (N)
CATAPLASM: A poultice or soft external application. Aloe, Annona, Chenopodium,
Cochlospermum, Commelina, Drepanocarpus, Eclipta, Gliricidia, Gossypium, Jatropha,
Kallstroemia, Mirabilis, Ocimum, Paullinia, Philodendron, Pilea, Pistia, Protulaca, Pothomorphe,
Scoparia, Sesamum, Solanum, Waltheria.
Catarina: Blakea (CR); Dahlia (CR)
CATARRH: A cold or similar malady. Treated with Achras, Achranthes, ageratum, allium,
Anacardium, Ananas, Aniba, Annona, Aristolochia, Bidens, Bramia, Bursera, Cajanus, Calocarpum,
Cardiospermum, Carica, CAssia, Cecropia, Cedrela, Ceratonia, Chaetoptelea, Chiococca,
Chlorophora, Coccoloba, Cocos, Coleus, Conocarpus, Cordia, Crescentia, Cupania, Cynocon,
Dendropogon, Desmodium, Dichromena, Dolichos, Eclipta, Elep;ahntopus, Enterolobium,
Eupatorium, Euphorbia, Hymenaea, Lantana, Lippia, Mangifera, Manicaria, Mimosa, Myroxylon,
Paspalum, Paullinia, Pedilanthus, Peperomia, Petiveria, Piper, Pistia, Pseudelepyhantopus,
Psidium, Rivina, Salmea, Samanea, Scleria, Sesbania, Siparuna, Solanum, Spondias, Sterculia,
Seietenia, Triumfetta, Turnera, Waltheria.
Catbrier: Smilax (E)
CATHARTIC: See Purgative.
Cativo: Cynometra (CR); Prioria (S)
Cattail: Typha (E)
Caucano: Cycnoches (C)
Cauchillo: Chlorophora (C); Sapium (C)
Caucho: Castilla (CR,P); Ficus (C); Perebea (P); Thevetia (C)
Caucho de la India: Ficus (C)
Cauliflower: Brassica (E)
CAULK : Gum of a plant used for caulking, mending, or pasting. Acacia,
Bursera, Calophyllum, Castilla, Clusia,Hymenaea, Protium, Symphonia, Tamarindus.
Caulote: Guazuma (C)
Caunce: Godoya (C)
Cautivo: Prioria (P)
Cavaja: Mauritiella (C)
CAVANILLESIA PLATANIFOLIA H.B.K. Cuipo (P). One of the most conspicuous elements
of the seasonal forests of the Pacific slope of Panama and the Choco, the cuipo is easily recognized
from the ground and the air aby its ringed trunk and deciduous umbrella-like crown. The light wood
is little used, but formerly served as a balsa substitute. it is sometimes used for making dugouts and
trays for washing and retaining foodstuffs. The large seeds are edible (!). The galactose-like gum
that exudes from the cut trunk can be eaten without bad effect (!). Negroes in Darien use the gum
as a suppurative. The large, porous roots of the tree, if cut into sections, yield a copious supply of
potable water (!). Perhaps reflecting the Doctrine of Signatures, the Canasas Cuna believe that this
pot-bellied tree is a cure for underweight. For sixteen days, the patiend bathes in an infusion of the
bark, and then is supposed to start fattening up (!). Trees outplanted in Puerto Rico in 1947 were 100
feet tall and 5 feet DBH by 1970!
CAVENDISHIA CORDIFOLIA Hook. Uva de anis (C). The fruits are sweet but asperous.
Caygua: Cyclanthera (CR)
Cebada: Hordeum (C)
Cebadilla: Digitaria (C); Setaria (C); Schoenocaulon (C); Veratrum (CR)
Cebo burro: Hernandia (P)
Cebolilla: Nothoscordium (S)
Cebolleta: Catasetum (C); Eichhornia (C); Hymenocallis (C)
Cebolleta de pantano: Elocharis (C)
Cebollo: Allium (S)
Cebollo de hoja: Allium (C)
Cebo macho: Hernandia (P)
Cebolleta de palo: Eulophia (C)
CECROPIA OBTUSIFOLIA Bert. Guaruma (S). the leaves, eaten by stock, are believed to be a cure
for diabetes. Wool from the stems and leaves is smoked like tobacco (!). The bark is used for
making rope. The trunks are used for water troughs.
CECROPIA PELTATA L. Trumpet tree (E); Eporro (Ch); Guarumo (P); Nilauala (Cu); Yarumo (C)
. The buds serve as a potherb. Indians eat the pith. The caustic sap is used to remove warts.
The wood makes good tinder and the ashes contain lime. The trunk is used for water troughs. The
bark is used for cordage, mats, and the make cloth. The leaves are used to treat hemorrhage, liver
ailments, dropsy, and dysentery, and are smoked like tobacco in the Pearl Islands (!). Chips of the
wood have been mixed with concrete in Panama to make a paneling which is said to be economical,
attractive and useful (!). On young trees there is often a caterpillar which teh Choco decapitate. This
yields a red "magic-marker", the resultant stain, said to be a little caustic, lasting longer than Genipa
stain (!). Sap of Cecropia virgusa is considered a good lubricant for wooden instruments, such as
cane presses, etc.
Ceda: Cyperus (Cu)
Cedar, bastard: Guazuma (E)
Cedar, Spanish: Cedrala (E)
Cedar, spring: Bombacopsis (E)
Cedadr, white: Hura (E)
CEDRELLA ODORATA L. Spanish cedar (E); Cedro (S); Cobana (CR) . The seeds of this
honey tree are vermifugal. The aromatic wood is used for cigar boxes, moth-proof chests, etc., and
is exported to the United States from Panama. The root bark is febrifugal. Bayano Cuna make
dugouts of cedar, and the bottoms of old piraguas serve as benches (!).
Cedrillo: Brunellia (C); Huertea (C); Guarea (C); Muntingia (C); Tapirira (C); Turpinia (P); Phyllanthus (C)
Cedrito: Phyllanthus (C)
Cedro: Bombacopsis (C); Cedrela (S); Juglans (C); Phyllanthus (C)
Cedro amargo: Cedrela (S)
Cedro amarillo: Pseudosamanea (C)
Cedro bateo: Carapa (CR)
Cedro blanco: Cedrela (CR)
Cedro caoba: Cedrela (C)
Cedro cebolla: Cedrela (P); Swietenia (C)
Cedro cobano: Cedrela (CR); Trichilia (CR)
Cedro colorado: Cedrela (CR)
Cedro dulce: Cedrela (CR,P); Trichilia (CR)
Cedro espinoso: Bombacopsis (P)
Cedro granadino: Cedrela (P)
Cedro grande: Juglans (C)
Cedro grenadino: Cedrela (P)
Cedro hembra: Panopsis (C)
Cedro macho: Carapa (CR); Guarea (P); Trichilia (CR)
Cedro maria: Cedrela (S)
Cedron: Cedrela (C); Aloysia (C); Garcia (C); Simaba (C)
Cedro negro: Juglans (C); Garcia (C)
Cedro nogal: Juglans (C)
Cedro olorosa: Cedrela (C)
Cedro vino: Carapa (S)
Ceiba: Ceiba (S); Bombacopsis (C); Bombax (C)
Ceiba de agua: Pachira (C); Pseudobombax (C)
Ceiba amarillo: Hura (C)
Ceiba barrigona: Pseudobombax (C)
Ceiba blanca: Hura (C)
Ceiuba bruja: Cavanillesia (C)
Ceiba de lana: Ochroma (C)
Ceiba de leche: Hura (C)
CEIBA PENTANDRA Gaertn. Silkcotton tree (E); Bonga (C); Ceiba (C)p; Ceiba de lana (C); Igarwala (Cu); Kapok (C); Saquisaqui (C) . Seeds of this honey tree, edible after roasting, are ground to make mush. They yield a culinary oil used for illumination and soapmaking. The young fruits are a vegetable like okra. The young leaves serve as a potherb. The floss, irritating to the eyes, is used to stuff life-preservers, etc., and is also used as tinder. Wrapped around the trunk of a fruit tree, it is supposed to discourage leaf cutting ants. Wood ashes are used as a salt substitute and made into soap. The trunk is sometimes used for dugouts. The flowers are eaten by cattle. The Bayano Cuna use the bark in medicine for female troubles (!). A bath of a bark infusion is supposed to improve the growth of hair in Colombia. The same infusion is given to cattle after delivery to help shed the placenta.
Ceibo: Bombacopsis (P); Erythrina (C); Pseudobombax (CR)
Ceibo amarillo: Hura (C)
Ceibo barrigon: Pseudobombax (CR)
Ceibo muno: Bombacopsis (P)
Ceibo pochote: Pseudobombax (CR)
Ceibo tolu: Bombacopsis (C)
Celodonia: Alsine (C); Microtea (C)
Celery: Apium (E)
CELOSIA ARGENTEA L. Cockscomb (E); Abanico (P); Dedos de plata (C) . Young shoots
serve as a pother b. the seeds are considered antidiarrhetic, antidysenteric, and aphrodisiac.
CELTIS IGUANAEUS Serg. Hackberry (E); Berraco (C); Cagalera (S); Raspador (C);
Surrumbo (C). The fruits are eaten by children, iguanas, and birds. The wood is used for firewood
and the leaves for sandpaper. The bark is laxative.
CENCHRUS ECHINATUS L. Sandbur (E); Cadillo (P); Ibakai (Cu); Pega-pega (P) . The
seeds serve as a famine food.
Cenicero: Pithecellobium (CR)
Cenicero macho: Albizia (CR)
Cenizaro: Pithecellobium (CR)
Cenizo: Chaetoptelea (P); Chenopodium (C); Pollalesta colombiana (C); Tessaria integrifolia (C)
Ceniza: Oliganthes discolor (C)
CENTAUREA CYANUS L. Albarina (C)
CENTELLA ASIATICA Urban . Perhaps cultivated by the Chinese about the Canal Zone
as a tonic. It is supposed to be aphrodisiac and to impart long life. A special variety was the basis
of a tea drunk by Prof. Li Chung Yon, who reputedly lived 265 years and married 24 times. The
leaves are eaten raw or steamed with rice.
Centello: Plumbago (C); Ranunculus
Centeno: Secale (C)
CENTROSEMA PLUMIERI Benth. Cugu (Cu) . The leaves are used by the Cuna
for stomach pains. The bark is used as a fish poison.
Century plant: Agave (E)
Cepa de caballo: Desmodium (P); Triumfetta (P); Urena (P)
CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA Baill. Ipecac (E); Raicilla (S); Poaja (C). the roots are
collected avidly in Darien. As the ipecac of commerce, it is a valuable emetic for children who have
ingested poison, and is still used widely, even in the United States. There is a Darien belief that
where the plant occurs, there is a snake around (!). In Colombia, it is chewed as an ambeicide and
as an insect repellent.
CEPHAELIS TOMENTOSA Vahl. Sombrerito del diablo (C). Used as an emmenagogue in
the Choco and for the relief in asthma.
Cera: Elaegia (C)
Ceragallo: Lobelia (CR)
Cera de laurel: Myrica (C)
CERATONIA SILIQUA L. Carob (E); St. John's bread (E); Algarroba (P). Although the fruits are
edible, rich in sugar and protein, and a source of alcohol, the carob is probably not cultivated in
Panama. the seeds are substituted for coffee. Molasses is made from the seeds in Cyprus. A fruit
decoction is used for catarrh. For early symptoms of mononucleosis and hepatitis, Panamanian
doctors may prescribe AROGON, 85% carob flour, 15% antidyspeptic starch (!). The seeds are said
to have been the original jeweller's carat.
CERATOPTERIS THALICTROIDES Brongn. Water fern (E); Helecho de agua (S). The fruits are
edible raw or cooked.
Carbatana: Canna (P); Verbesina (P,C)
Cerebril: Justicia (CR/ROC)
Cereza : Bunchosia (P); Freziera (C); Malpighia (C); Prunus (C)
Cerezito: Bunchosia (C)
Cerezo de castilla: Malpighia (P)
Cerezo de monte: Bunchosia (P); Eurya (C)
Cerillo: Casearia (CR); Clusia (P); Lacmellea (CR); Perebea (P); Rheedia (CR); Symphonia (P)
Ceriman: Monstera (E)
Cerito: Casearia (CR)
Cero: Rheedia (C,P); Symphonia (P)
Cerote: Ficus (C)
Cerraja: Sonchus (S)
Cerraja grande: Sonchus oleraceus (C)
Cerrajita cimarrona: Aster marginatus (C)
Cestillo: Carludovica (C)
Ceylon spinach: Basella (E)
Chacafruto, Chachafruto: Erythrina (C); Polymnia (C)
Chachajillo: Nectandra (C)
Chachajo: Aniba (C); Endlicheria (C); Nectandra (C)
Chagualito: Clusia (C); Rapanea (C)
Chagualo: Calophyllum (C); Clusia (C); Rapanea (C); Tovomita (C)
Chajada amarillo: Pterocarpus (CR)
Chalde: Guarea (C); Philodendron (P)
CHAMAEDOREA WENDLANDIANA Hemsl. Boda (P); Bola (P); Cana verde (P); Nuru (P).
The spadices are dipped in eggs and fried. Leaves and young shoots may contain about 4% protein
on a fresh weight basis.
Chambimbo: Sapindus (C)
Chambiro: Astrocaryum (C)
Chamburo: Carica (C)
Chamano: Dodonaea (C)
CHAMISSOA ALTISSIMA H.B.K. Beju co pedorro (P). the vine is considered antivenereal.
Chamoltaco: Aphelandra (N)
Champomararay: Campomanesia (C)
Chan: Hyptis (CR)
Chanamo: Dodonaea (C)
Chancan: Pithecellobium (C)
Chanchagarra: Bactris (Ch)
Chanchan: Pithecellobium (C)
Chancharo: Phaseolus (C)
Chanchito: Cyclanthera (CR); Elaterium (CR)
Chancho blanco: Goethalsia (CR)
Chancho colorado: Vochysia (CR)
Chandur: Cyperus (C); Scleria (C)
Changro panga: Banisteropsis (C)
Changue: Colocasia (C)
Chano: Licania (C)
Chantre: Freziera (C)
Chanu: Humiriastrum (C); Licania (C); Sacoglottis (C)
Chaparral: Adenaria (C)
Chaparrito: Petrea (C)
Chaparro: Byrsonima (C); Curatella (C); Petrea (C)
Chaparro bobo: Palicourea (C)
Chaparro montecon: Byrsonima (C)
Chapilte: Pithecellobium (CR)
CHAPTALIA NUTANS L. Lechuguilla (C)
Chaquera, Chaquiro: Alnus (C); Podocaarpus (C)
Chascara: Aiphanes (C)
Chascacay: Aiphanes (C)
Chavelita: Lochnera (P)
Chavelita de monte: Browallia (P)
Chayato: Sechium (C)
Chayota: Sechium (C)
Chayote: Sechium (P)
Chayotillo: Echinocystis (CR); Elateriopsis (CR)
CHELONANTHUS ACUTANGULUS Gilg. Hierba de Adan (C). Used to alleviate neuralgia
in the Choco.
Chenga: Guilielma (C)
CHENOPODIUM AMBROSIOIDES L. Wormseed (E); Paico (P) . Elsewhere, leaves are
used in soups and to flavor jutes and black beans. The seeds are anthelmintic and
amebicidal. In Panama, the plant is regarded as antiasthmatic and vermifugal (!).
CHENOPODIUM QUINOA Willd. Quinua (C). The seeds are used as a grain, but may be
vermifugal. Leaves are used as a potherb.
Chepo: Centropogon (C)
Chewstick: Gouania (E)
Chia: Gynerium (Ch)
Chiaga: Cuphea (C)
Chian: Hyptis (CR)
Chiaso: Saccharum (Ch)
Chiba: Ageratum conyzoides (C)
Chibato: Cassia (C)
Chibigui: Pogonopus (Ch)
Chibu: Bursera (C)
Chibuelo: Cassia (C)
Chibugi: Pogonopus (Ch)
Chica: Arrabidaea (C)
Chicasquil: Jatropha (CR)
Chicala: Tabebuia (C)
Chicapa: Bidens (C)
CHICHA: A beverage which may be fermented. Made from Aechmea, Annona, borojoa, Bromelia,
Byrsonima, Carica, Coccoloba, Coffea, Dillenia, Diospyros, Gouania, Guazuma, Guilielma,
Gustavia, Hibiscus, Hymenaea, Hyptis, Manihot, Musa, Ocimum, Oenocarpus, Oryza, Pandanus,
Parmentiera, Passiflora, Pithecellobium, Pourouma, Psidium, Punica, Saccharum, Secale,
Solanum, Spondias, Sterculia, Tamarindus, Tecoma, Theobroma, Ximenia, Zea, Zingiber.
Chicha: Byrsonima (P)
Chichagui: Guilielma (C)
Chicharillo: Mouriria (S)
Chicharo: Dolichos (P)
Chicharron: Calea (C); Calliandra (C); Hirtella (P); Lonchocarpus (C); Petrea (C)
Chiche: Solanum (N)
Chichica: Ischnosiphon (P)
Chichicaste: Loasa (CR)
Chichigua: Solanum (N)
Chichimali: Baccharis (C)
Chichimeca: Amaranthus (CA)
Chichimora: Fevillea (CR); Solanum (CA
Chichique: Aspidosperma
Chichire: Maximiliana (C)
Chichita: Solanum (N)
Chichoma: Solanum (N)
Chicken corn: Sorghum (E)
Chick-pea: Cicer (E)
CHICLE: A base for chewing gum. Achras, Brosimum, Couma, Ficus, Manilkara, Mimusops,
Pseudolmedia.
Chicle: Achras (S)
Chicoria: Eryngium (CR); Pseudelephantopus (P)
Chicoria cimarrona: Hypochoeris sonchoides (C)
Chigua: Zamia (P)Chiguacan: Carica (C)
Chigua macho: Acrostichum (C)
Chiguechigue: Bromelia (C)
Chiju: Ananas (Ch)
Chila: Sicana (P)
Chihuila: Puya (C)
Chilaca: Myroxylon (CR)
Chilacaste: Urtica (CR)
Chilacayote: Cucurbita (CR)
Chilacuan: Carica (C)
Chilamate: Ficus (CR)
Chilca: Baccharis (C); Steiractinia (C); Tecoma (N); Thevetia (N)
Chilca amarilla: Cilbadium asperum (C)
Chilca blanco-ceniza: Eupatorium angustifolium (C)
Chilca lunareja: Eupatorium laevigatum (C)
Chilca de tenir: Baccharis (C)
Chilco: Baccharis (C); Euterpe (C)
Chilco colorado: Escallonia (C)
Chile: Capsicum (S); Drimys (CR); Phyllanthus (CR); Sciadodendron (CR)
Chile de perro: Polygonum (S)
Chilillo: Epiphyllum (CR); Phyllanthus (CR); Polygonum (P)
Chilinchil: Adipera (C)
Chilinchile: Cassia (C)
Chilindron: Thevetia (CR)
Chilipuca: Crotalaria (S)
Chillaso: Smilax (S)
Chilmecate: Paullinia (N)
Chilpepe, Chiltepe: Capsicum (S)
Chilquilla: Conyza (C); Eupatorium pycnocephalum (C)
Chilquita: Eupatorium odoratum (C)
Chilquita carrasposa: Eupatorium scabrum (C)
Chimbalo: Physalis (C); Solanum (C)
Chimbolillo: Cardiospermum (S)
Chimbolo verde: Dolichos (CR)
Chimichaca: Chusquea (CA)
Chiminango: Pithecellobium (C)
China: Impatiens (CR); Smilax (C)
Chinaberry: Melia (E)
Chinarose: Impatiens (CR)
Chinese root: Smilax (CR/ROC)
Chinchimali: Tagetes patula (C)
Chinese spinach: Ipomoea (E)
Chingale: Astrocaryum (C); Jacaranda (C); Sabal (C)
Chininango: Pithecellobium (C)
CHIOCOCCA ALBA Hitchc. Lagrimas de Maria (P). A snakebite remedy.
Chipaca: Bidens pilosa (C)
Chipara: Genipa (Ch)
Chiparo: Zygia (C)
Chipero: Calliandra (C)
Chipilin: Crotalaria (CR)
Chipio: Ficus (C)
Chipirera: Cavendishia (C)
Chipuelo: Zanthoxylum (C)
Chipuste: Saccharum (CR)
Chiquechique: Attalea (C); Leopoldina (C)
Chiquiragua: Chuquiraga jussieui (C)
Chiquirin: Myroxylon (N)
Chiquisa: Calyptocarpus (CR); Leonurus (CR)
Chiquizacillo: Borreria (CR)
Chiraco: Toxicodendron (C)
Chiratirati: Canna (Ch)
Chirca venenosa: Thevetia (CR)
Chirco: Thevetia (P)
Chireta: Helianthus (C)
Chiriguaco: Clethra (C)
Chirigui: Trixis
Chirimoya: Annona (P)
Chirimoya de monte: Annona (P)
Chiripique: Dalea (C)
Chiriqui: Trixis (P)
Chiriquirin: Myrospermum (N)
Chirivia: Pastinaca (S)
Chirlobirlos: Abatia (C); Castilleja (C); Tecoma (C)
Chirra: Tillandsia (CR)
Chirraca: Myroxylon (CR)
Chirriador: Cissus (C); Muntingia (C)
Chirrinchao: Phyllanthus (CR)
Chirrincharo: Phyllanthus (CR)
Chirriosaca: Carludovica (CR)
Cirrite: Besleria (CR); Eupatorium (CR); Salvia (CR)
Cirrite blanco: Eupatorium (C)
Cirriuaca: Monstera (CA)
Chisaca: Spilanthes (C)
Chisaca de cafetal: Spilanthes americana (C)
Chisgo: Laplacea (C)
Chisgua: Canna (C)
Chisi-chisi: Clibadium asperum (C)
Chispa: Coreopsis (CR); Tritonia (CR)
Chispeado: Bucquetia (C); Chaetolepis (C)
Chitaca: Senecio lanatus (C)
Chitato: Muntingia (C)
Chite: Hypericum (C)
Chitoto: Muntingia (C)
Chiu-chiu: Clibadium asperum (C)
Chivaco: Vaccinium (C)
Chivato: Aspidosperma (C)
Chivazo: Aristolochia (C)
Chive: Allium (E)
Chiverre: Cucurbita (CR)
Chiverrillo: Cucurbita (CR); Melothria (CR); Pittiera (CR)
Chiverro: Cucurbita (N); Tillandsia (CA)
Chivola: Hyptis (CA)
CHLOROPHORA TINCTORIA Guad. Avinje (C); Fustic (E); Yellow wood (E); Brasil (CR);
Dinde (C); Fusete (C); Macano (P); Mora (P); Palo amarillo (C); Palo moro (C) . The fruit
is edible. The wood is used for furniture. The latex is said to cause teeth to fall out (!). the bark is
purgative (!).
Choapo: Iriartea (C)
Chochitos de indio: Abrus (C)
Chocho: Abrus (C); Lupinus (C); Mauria (C); Mucuna (P); Ormosia (C); Rourea (C); Sapindus (C); Trichilia (C)
Chocho colorado: Erythrina (C)
Choco: Scoparia (C); Weigeltia (C)
Chocolate: Theobroma (E)
Chocolatillo: Chomelia (C); Herrania (P); Piptadenia (C); Randia (C)
Chocomico: Ximenia (N)
Chogro: Bambusa (CR); Guadua (Ch)
Choho: Erythrina (C)
Choiba: Dipteryx (C)
CHOLERA: An infectious disease characterized by vomiting, cramps, fever, etc. Treated with
Allium, Capsicum, Eupatorium, Mangifera, Melia, Mikania, Mucuna, Musa, Physalis, Psidium,
Rheedia.
CHOLOGOGUE: A substance producing or increasing the flow of bile. Ananas, Calotropis, Carica,
Eleusine, Jatropha, Phyllanthus, Pothomorphe.
CHOMELIA SPINOSA Jacq. Tom bush (E) . The fruits are edible and febrifugal.
Chompipe: Aristolochia (N)
Chonque: Colocasia (C)
Chonta: Astrocaryum (P); Guilielma (C); Pyrenoglyphis (C); Socratea (CR); Syagrus (C)
Chontadura: Coleus (P); Guilielma (C)
Chontadurillo: Guilielma (C)
Chonta negra: Iriartea (CR)
Chontilla: Bactris (C)
Chonto: Ceroxylon (C)
Chonuya: Mauritia (C)
Choreque: Petrea (CR)
Chorequillo: Godmania (CR)
Chorote: Anacardium (C); Pernettia (C)
Chorotico: Alonsoa (C)
Choyba: Dipteryx (C); Helicostylis (P)
Christmas bush: Eupatorium (J)
CHRYSANTHEMUM FRUTESCENS L. Margarita (C)
CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM L. Margariton (C)
CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM Bernh. Manzanilla matricaria (C); Manzanilla romana
CHRYSANTHEMUM ICACO L. Coco plum (E); Icaco (S); Uichup (Cu) . The fruits are
eaten fresh (!) or preserved. The seeds are edible and sometimes strung as candlenuts.
CHRYSOPHYLLUM spp. Star apple (E); Caimito (S); Eslo (Cu); Nensarrajo (Ch); Pipa (Cu); Tuko
. Most of the species have fruits that are edible raw (!), but some are
unpleasantly gummy. They are cultivated by the Cuna and Choco. Sweet milky fruits like caimito
and papaya are avoided by pregnant Choco in the belief that the fetus will grow too large.
Chucha: Trixis (C); Porophyllum ruderale (C)
Chuchuana: Astrocaryum (C)
Chuchapanga: Siparuna (C)
Chucho: Peperomia (C); Cestrum (C); Solanum (C)
Chuchunchullo: Hybanthus (C); Ionidium (C)
Chuchupate: Guarea (P)
Chuella: Pterocarpus (P)
Chufa: Cyperus (E)
Chugua: Ullucus (C)
Chuguaca: Viburnum (C)
Chuguilla: Anredera (C)
Chula: Lochnera (C)
Chulco: Begonia (C); Monolena (C); Oxalis (C)
Chulguin: Gynerium (C)
Chumbimbo: Sapindus (C)
Chumbino: Sapindua (C)
Chumbipito: Aristolochia (C)
Chumico: Curatella (CR,P); Davilla (P); Monoplegma (CR); Tetracera (P)
Chumico de palo: Curatella (CR,P)
Chumico peoro: Davilla (P)
Chundul: Cyperus (C)
Chunga: Astrocaryum (P)
Chunto: Ceroxylon (C)
Chununa de caballo: Blepharodon (P)
Chupa: Gustavia (C); Licania (C); Matisia (C)
Chupachupa: Combretum (C); Matisia (C); Psychotria (C)
Chupadera: Dracontium (C); Castilleja (C)
Chupahuevo: Castilleja (C)
Chupa membrillo: Gustavia (C)
Chupamiel: Hamelia (N)
Chupana: Hydrocotyle (C)
Chupatroncos: Phthirusa (C)
Chupito: Aristolochia (C)
Chupaya: Bromeliaceae in general (C); Montricardia (C)
Chupo: Gustavia (C)
CHUQUIRAGA JUSSIEUI G.F.Gmel. Chiquiragua
Chureca: Lathyrus (CR)
Churristate: Anoda (CR); Ipomoea (CR)
Churrite: Hyptis (CR); Priva (CR)
Churruba: Syagrus (C)
Churumbelo: Posoqueria (C)
Chuscal: Paspalum (C)
Chusque: Chusquea (C)
Chutras: Protium (P)
CICER ARIETINUM L. Chick-pea (E); Garbanzo (S) . The seeds are used in soups and as
a vegetable, made into flour, roasted as a coffee substitute, and used to treat bronchial catarrh.
Roasted roots are also a coffee substitute. The seeds are antibilious. The edible leaves and shoots
contain 7-8% protein.
Cidra: Citrus (P)
Cidrapapa: Sechium (C)
Cidrayote: Sechium (C)
Cidron: Lippia (C)
Cierito: Mouriri (P)
Cierra tus puertas: Mimosa (P)
Cierrate, Cierrate de escobilla: Mimosa (P)
Cigarillo: Cuphea (CA)
Cigua: Various Lauraceae (S)
Cilantrillo: Adiantum (C)
Cilantro: Coriandrum (C); Eryngium (C)
Cimarron: Coccoloba (C)
Cinchadora: Philodendron (P)
Cinchona: Cinchona (S)
Cinco coloraditos: Lantana (S)
Cinco dedos: Aralia (C); Oreopanax (C); Quararibea (P)
Cinco negritos: Lantana (CR,N)
CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM Blume. Cinnamon (E); Alcanfor (C,P); Canela (S) . This
Asian tree is occasionally planted in Panama, the dried bark abeing the cinnamon of commerce,
which is sold in Panama markets (!).
Cinnamon: Cinnamomum (E)
Cinta: Muehlenbeckia (C)
Cinta blanca: Phalaris (C)
Ciprecillo: Podocarpus (CR)
Cipreso: Escallonia (CR)
Ciro: Baccharis spp.
Cirpo: Pourouma (C)
Cirri: Mosquitoxylum (CR)
Cirri amarillo: Mauria (CR)
Cirro blanco: Mosquitoxylum (CR)
Ciruela : Bunchosia (S); Phyllanthus (S); Spondias (S); Ternstroemia (C); Ximenia (C)
Ciruela de perro: Bunchosia (C)
Ciruelillo: Ximenia (C)
Cisne: Cycnoches (C)
CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA L. Bejunco de cerca (C); Patacon (C) . In Colombia, the vine
is used for cordage. The plant is antiasthmatic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogic, febrifugal,
lithontriptic, sudorific, and is used as a barbasco and a snakebite cure. The roots are used to prevent
abortion and to arrest menorrhagia.
CISSUS RHOMBIFOLIA Vahl. Baitilla (P) . The fruits are edible, with the taste of grapes
(!).
CISSUS SICYOIDES L. Rock rope (E); Bejujco Castro (C); Bejucocomemano (CA); Bejuco loco
(P); Chirriador (C); Uva cimarrona (P). the fruits are much sought by birds and are edible (!). The
stems are used as a soap substitute. The leaves are used for rheumatism and ulcers.
CITHAREXYLUM sp. Fiddlewood (E); Old women's bitter (E); Manglillo (P) . The berries
are said to be edible, and the flowers are attractive to bees. The bark is reported to serve as a fish
poison.
Citron: Citrus (E)
Citronella: Cymbopogon (E)
CITRULLUS LANATUS Mansf. Watermelon (E); Paitilla (C); Patilla (C); Sandia (P) (Fig.
88). Watermelon production is almost exclusively limited to the dry season in Panama, where a
mediocre melon brings 50 cents to one dollar. The rinds are sometimes preserved in sugar or
vinegar.
CITRUS spp. Citrus (E) . Several species of the Asian genus Citrus are cultivated
throughout the tropics for their edible fruits, and some tend to become established. The plants are
important honey producers. Those most common in Panama are: The lime or limon, Citrus
aurantiifolia Swingle is planted, much to the exclusion of the true lemon,
or limon real. A tonic tea is sometimes prepared from the evergreen leaves and the fruits are
regarded as antiscorbutic, antiseptic, styptic, and sudorific. San Blas Indians nearly always have a
bottle of lemon juice on the table as one of their two spices, the other being salt. Often the lemon
juice is converted into a hot sauce by the addition of Capsicum . Colombian natives
believe the fruits retard delivery. They use a root infusion to combat colic. The sweet lime or
limon dulce, Citrus limetta Risso, is also widely planted in Central America. The sweet orange
or naranja, Citrus sinensis Osbeck is planted in gardens but is not
produced commercially. Peelings are used to flavor foods and relieve toothache. Steamed, they are
applied to sore ears. The leaves are used to make a tea consumed by the Negroes of Darien and
Puerto Obaldia. This tea, followed by aspirin, is used by Chiricanos to treat fever. The sour
orange or naranja acida or naranja agria, Citrus aurantium L., is occasionally found wild. Its fruits
are extremely bitter, but the juices are used to remove the wild taste from game. The leaves and bark
are home remedies for bad heart, and are used as antiseptic, hemostatic, and sudorific. The citron
or cidra or toronja, Citrus medica L., is often cultivated. The peel being used to make confections
. The grapefruit or toronja, Citrus paradisi Macf. , is too sour for Latin
tastes and is little planted in Panama . The tangerine or mandarin, Citrus reticulata
Blanco, seems most abundant among the lowland Cuna, where it is called narachol madriquet.
Clarol: Pereskia (C)
Clava: Dichronema (P)
Clavel: Dianthus (S); Hibiscus (S)
Clavel de aire: Tillandsia (C)
Clavelillo: Jussiaea (D)
Clavelino: Couroupita (C); Caesalpinia (C)
Clavellin: Brownea (C)
Clavellin de playa: Wedelia (P)
Clavellina: Brownea (C); Mutisia (C); Caesalpinia (CR); Calliandra (C); Delonix (C); Tagetes (P)
Clavellina de monte: Melanthera (P)
Clavellina de pichinde: Calliandra (P)
Clavellina de San Jacinto: Curtia (P)
Clavellinito: Steiractinia aspera (C)
Clavellino: Mustisia clematis (C)
Clavelon: Zinnia elegans (C)
CLAVIJA spp. Hochoronejo (Ch); Kuandu (Cu); Membrillo (D); San Cristobal (P) . Choco
and Cuna state that the fruits are edible (!). Roots and wood are used in snakebite cures (!). The
plant is considered alexeritic and antispasmodic in Panama.
Clavito: Acacia (N); Jussiaea (D)
Clavo: Dichronema (C); Eugenia (S); Faramea (C)
Clematide: Mutisia clematis (C)
CLEMATIS DIOICA L. Barba de viejo (P) . The seeds are regarded as purgative,
rubefacient, and vesicant. The infusion of the lfowers and leaves is used as a cosmetic.
Clemon: Thespesia (C)
CLEOME SPINOSA Jacq. Spiderflower (E); Desbaratabaile (C); Desdicha (C); Garcita (C); Mismia
(C); Pito-pito (C); Una del diablo (C). The leaf infusion is used for earache. The plant is a fish
poison, and is also used to supress ticks, bedbugs, and roaches.
CLIBADIUM spp. Catalina (D); Kwinkwimas (Cu); Mastrazo de monte (P); Zlaguena (P). This is
used as a barbasco and to treat erysipelas.
CLIBADIUM ASPERUM DC. Chiu-chiu (C); Sicuri (C); Catalina (C); Chisi-chisi (C); Chilca
amarilla (C)
CLIBADIUM SURINAMENSE L. Pintadilla (C)
CLIBADIUM SYLVESTRE Baill. Barbasco (C)
CLIDEMIA spp. The fruits are edible (!).
CLITORIA TERNATEA L. Campanilla (P) . The roots are cathartic. The seeds are antidotic,
aperient, diuretic, purgative, and refrigerant, and are used in cystitis.
Clove: Eugenia (E)
Clover: Trifolium (E)
CLUSIA MINOR L. Cope (P); Mata palo (C,D) . This is a source of an elastic vulnerary
latex, used for bandaging children's hernias. The fruits of most Clusia spp. are regarded as poisonous
but they are eaten by bats.
CLYTOSOMA ISTHMICUM Pittier. Agu (Cu). Cuna use the leaves for upper respiratory infections.
Coa: Geoffroea (C)
Coba: Cryosophila (Ch); Machaerium (C)
Cobano: Cariniana (C); Cedrela (CR)
Cobola: Podocarpus (CR)
Cobreque: Sesbania (N)
Coca: Erythroxylum (C)
COCCOLOBA UNIFERA L. Seabrape (E); Micongo (C); Nula (Cu); Uva de playa (S); Uverna
(S) . The acid pulp is edible fresh or in jams. It makes a beverage that may be fermented.
The tannin in the bark is prescribed for diarrhea. Several other species of Coccoloba have edible
fruits.
Coceador: Piper (C)
COCHLOSPERMUM VITIFOLIUM Spreng. Brazilian rose (E); Bototo (C); Carneasado
(C); Carnestolendo (C); Flechero (C); Nunonunor bala (Cu); Poroporo (P) . The soft wood
of other species is a famine food; this species might be judiciously sampled. The wood burns green.
The cotton is used to stuff pillows, and is used at the base of Indian darts. The bark is used for
making rope. It is frequently cultivated on San Blas Islands as decorative living llight poles (!).
Medicinally, the plant is regarded as a sedative and suppurative. To treat jaundice, infusions of the
leaves are prescribed in Colombia.
Cocla: Bauhinia (P)
Cockscomb: Celosia (E)
Cockstail palm: Geonoma (B)
Coco: Cocos (S); Lecythis (P); Mucuna (C); Xanthosoma (P)
Cocoa: Theobroma (E)
Coco albarco: Cariniana (C)
Coco blanco: Eschweilera (C)
Cocoloba : Dalbergia (P); Lecythis (CR); Pithecellobium (CR); Psychortia (B)
Cocobolito: Psychotria (P)
Coco cabuyo: Couratari (C)
Coco cristal: Lecythis (C)
Coco, ground: Eulophia (E)
Coco guasco: Eschweilera (C)
Coco manteco: Gustavia (C)
Coco de mono: Couroupita (P); Lecythis (C)
Coco de monte: Couroupita (P)
Coco muerto: Gustavia (C)
Coconut: Cocos (E)
Coco plum: Chrysobalanus (E)
Cocora: Billia (CR); Guarea (CR)
Cocorote: Bactris (C)
COCOS NUCIFERA L. Coconut (E); Ogop (Cu); Palma de coco (Ch,S); Coco (S); Cocotero (S)
. No palm is more useful and better known than the coconut, the money crop in San Blas,
where it serves as well as a nickel in fiscal transactions. An acre of coconut plantation may yield
5,000 to 10,000 nuts a year. The liquid in the center of the coconut when immature is nearly 95%
water, the rest sugar. At this stage, it is called a pipa, and these are consumed wherever there are
coconuts. Panama analyses of pipas reveals 92% water, 5a% carbohydrates, 1% protein, 1% oil, and
1% mineral. The pipa juice is often used as a "chaser" with seco in Darien (!). As the nut approaches
maturity, the milk should not be drunk in quantity as it tends to be diuretic. Cuna Indians, when
piercing the ears and noses of newly born girls, draw a string soaked in coconut mild through the
hole to hasten healing. Before it matures, coconut meat is like a custard in flavor and consistency
(!). The white meat underneath the ripe husk is very nutritious, containing about 40% oil, 10%
carbohydrate, 3% protein, 1% inorganic matter, the rest mostly water. Panama analyses of the white
meat reveal 51% water and 32% oil, while sun-dried copra exported from Sun Blas
to Panama for oil extraction has 12% water and 60% oil. A rich liquid is squeezed out of grated
coconut meat. Panamanians call this cream leche de coco. Analysis reveals 86% water, 4-5% oil,
3-4% protein, 4-5% carabohydrate, and 1% mineral, very close to cow's milk. It is boiled with rice
tomake Panama's famouse arroz con coco with taro leaves to make a South Seas dish, and with
game to make creamed meat dishes. It has been used as a substitute for cream in coffee. Natives
mash up the meat in water and squeeze it through a sieve. The exudate is then boiled, the ooil ladled
off the top. Fresh oil may be used to fry food. The oil keeps poorly and should be used shortly for
cooking. It may be used for smokeless illumination after it has become ransid; rancid oil is put in
a seashell and a wick is floated therein. Candles may be made of coconut butter or oil. The flowers
are enveloped in a large leafy spathe, which ruptures when the flower opens. Elsewhere, natives tie
it together and make a small cut near the tip so that gravity will direct the juices into a bucket tied
to it. They let it "bleed" a few days and then make a new cut. The fresh juice or "toddy" tastes like
apple cider. Fermenting produces wine or vinegar, which may be strengthened by distillation. Some
Asian Indians believe that if the toddy is used regularly by pregnant women, the child will have a
lighter complection than the parent. The sap, boiled until it becomes brown and thick, is called
"coconut molasses." the thick residue on the bottom may then be sun dried to form a brown lump
sugar. the molasses and grated coconut meat are mixed and allowed to harden into candy. The
terminal foliage bud of the plant is edible cooked like cabbage, or raw as a "millionaire's salad", so
named because cutting off the terminal bud kills a very valuable plant. Fallen nuts may germinate
where they lie. In germinating nuts, the cavity is filled with a spongy mass called bread, which is
eaten raw or toasted in a shell over the fire. Sprouting seeds may be eaten like celery. There is some
starch in the pith of the stems, which can be extracted by mashing up the pith, extracting the fibrous
parts, and letting the starch settle. This starch can be used to make bread. The pith from the top of
the tree can be pickled in coconut vinegar. Scorched roots of the coconut tree have served as a
coffee substitute. Dried leaves furnish short-lived torches, one being lit from the other. The San Blas
often use coconut to bait their fish baskets. Halved coconut shells make very suitable utensils. Food
is wrapped in leaves between two halves of a split coconut, which are placed over a fire. When the
shells have nearly burned through, the food is removed. Drinking from a halved coconut vessel is
supposed to impart good health. in New Guinea, natives sometimes travel on rafte made of coconut
logs. Coconuts stuffed in the clothing serve as boyant life preservers. Tropical houses can be made
of coconut stems and leaves, although other species often play the rold. Commercial fiber ,
resistant to salt-water damage, is produced from the husk. A commercial plant established in about
1957 in Pico Feo, San Blas, turned out about a ton a day, which commanded $140 per ton in Europe.
Soaps made from coconut oil float and lather in salt water. Elsewhere, natives make soap of coconut
oil and wood ashes. Ash of coconut leaf stalks may be used since it contains much potash. Placing
palm fronds coated with mud over embers preserves fire overnight. Husks are used as fuel and
mosquito smudges. Shells make good heat reflectors. Buttons have been fashioned from strands
stripped from coconut leaves, needles being fashioned out of thorns of other palms or from bamboo
slivers. Fish traps have been made from the ribs of the leaves, and crab traps from the leaf stalks.
Boiling of the toddy yeilds a sugar water known as "jaggery", which, mixed with lime, makes an
excellent cement. A resin, extracted by heating the inner husk of the coconut, is used to treat
toothache among the Maje Choco. Coconut oil is used to treat alopecia, as an alexeritic, to treat
burns, and as an insect repellent. The Maje Choco take the oil, mixed with honey, and monkey and
chicken fat, for asthma. The milk is believed febrifugal. Coconut water is used as an antiemetic;
fermented, it is used for constipation and consumption. The down at the base of the leaves is used
to stop bleeding. The bark is regarded as antiotitic and antiseptic. the flowers are said to be
astringent. The roots are believed to be antiblennorrhagic, antibronchitic, antidysenteric, fegbrifugal,
and antigingivitis.
Cocorote: Pyrenoglyphis (C)
Cocotero: Cocos (S)
Coco, wild: Caladium (E)
Coco zapote: Couroupita (P)
CODIAEUM VARIEGATUM Blume: Croton (E); Sugaquinit (Cu); Tirabuzon (C). Used by the
San Blas Indians as a bath for body aches and eye diseases. Leaves believed to be refrigerant. Root
and cortex are stimulating and slightly caustic.
Codillo: Commelina (P)
COFFEA ARABICA L. Arabian coffee (E); Cabi (Cu); Cafe (S) . Coffee is grown rarely in
lowland Panama but inland Cuna sometimes grown their own, as do all ethnic groups. Coffee is
frequently raised in the shade of some other trees. Hungry or thirsty survivalists will find some
satisfaction from the ripe beans. Coffee beans, after processing and drying, furnish a stimulating
beverage to which many Americans are addicted. Coffee leaves, if cured like tea leaves, afforde a
beverage with enough caffeine to serve as a coffee or tea substitute. In India, the leaves are roasted
over a fire of bamboo or other wood that gives little smoke. The leaves assume a buff color when
done, and are then ground to form an "instant coffee". In bolivia, sultana, a coffee substitute, is made
from the bark. In Arabia, the pulp of the fruit, after drying is employed in making a beverage which
could be fermented. Coffee flowers are attractive to bees and impart a characteristic flavor to the
honey. Dried beans are used medicinally as a diuretic, nervine, and stimulant, which acts on the
central nervous system, kidneys, heart, and muscles. It is used as an antidote in opium poisoning,
being regarded as antisoporific and anaphrodisiacal. Unroasted beans have been used as a substitute
for quinine in intemittent fever. Black coffee has been used in treating typhoid fever and chronic
diarrhea. Cold coffee is used by fishermen to wash the smell of fish off their hands.
Coffee: Coffea (E)
COFFEE SUBSTITUTE: A plant furnishing a beverage similar to coffee. Abelmoschus, Canavalia,
Cassia, Ceratonia, Cicer, Cocos, Coffee, Daucus, Hedyosmum, Hibiscus, Leucaena, Musa,
Theobroma.
Cogollos: Tillandsia (CA)
Cochataco: Raulvolfia (CR)
Cohombros: Cucumis (C)
Cohune: Attalea (E)
Cointura: Banisteria (P)
COIX LACHRYMA-JOBI L. Job's tears (E); Lagrimas de San Pedro (C,P), Oi (Cu); Ovina (Cu);
Ruema (D); Ta (Ch) . The seeds, a source of meal, are parched to make a tea and used to
make mushes that can be fermented. they are used for necklaces in San Blas (!). Bayano Cuna use
the seeds medicinally (!). In Darien, they are said to be diuretic (!). Colombians use the roots to treat
chronic headache (!). Chinese also use the plant medicinally.
Cojon: Cordia (CA)
Cojon: Stemmadenia (CR); Tabernaemontana (CR)
Cojon de burro: Stemmadenia (CR)
Cojon de caballo: Stemmandenia (CR)
Cojon de cabrito: Tabernaemontana (C)
Cojon de fraile: Stemmadenia (CR); Tabernaemontana (C)
Cojon de gato: Thevetia (C)
Cojon de mico: Stemmandenia (C)
Cojon de puerco: Stemmandenia (C)
Cojon de toro: Tabernaemontana (C)
Col: Brassica (S)
Col de monte: Phytolacca (C)
Cola de alacran: Heliotropium (P)
Cola de chancho: Helicteres (N)
Cola de chango: Helicteres (N)
Colacion: Antigonon (S) (P); Carludovica (CR); Chamaedorea (C); Chinochloa (CR); Geonoma (C)
Cola de marrano: Pithecellobium (CA)
Cola de millo: Stachytarpheta (P)
Cola demorado: Geonoma (C)
Cola de nava : Cupania (N)
Cola de pescado: Caryota (CR)
Coladera: Luffa (C)
Cola de venado: Andropogon (CR); Arundinella (CR)
Colchon de pobre: Achillea (C); Hedyosmum (C); Lycopodium (C)
Colegial: Gesneria (C)
COLEUS BLUMEI Benth. Jacob's coat (J); Chontadura (P); Oregano de Espana (S); Pompolluda
(P). This or a closely related species is said to make a pleasant addition to beverages. The leaves are
eaten with bread and butter, and bruised and put into country beer. In Indochina, it is employed in
asthma, chronic coughs, epilepsy, colic, and dyspepsia. Expressed juice is used as an anodyne and
applied over and around the eyelids in conjunctivitis.
Colibri: Masdevallia (C)
Coliflor: Brassica (S)
Coligallo: Bactris (CR); Calyptrogyne (CR); Carludovica (CR); Dasystachys (CR)
Colima: Zanthoxylum (C)
Colindre: Eupatorium (P)
Colla: Polymnia (C)
Collards: Brassica (E)
COLLYRIUM: A local eye medication, i.e., eyewash. Abrus, Achyranthes, Albizia, Argemone,
Bocoonia, Boerhaavia, Caesalpinia, Capsicum, Codiaeum, Coleus, Elilia, Eugenia, Gouania,
Ipomoea, Isotoma, Lantana, Luffa, Malachra, Manihot, Mimosa, Ocimum, Phaseolus, Ricinus,
Spondias, Talinum, Tamarindus, Waltheria, Ziziphus.
Colmillo: Dermatocalyx (CR); Psammisia (CR); Satyria (CR); Spigelia (CR)
Colmillo de perro: Cavendishia (CR)
Colmillo de puerco: Hylenaea (P); Spigelia (CR)
Col de Nicaragua: Jatropha (P)
COLOCASIA ANTIQUORUM Schott and COLOCASIA ESCULENTA Dasheen (E); Mafafa (C);
Malangay (C); Otoe (S); Moena Mesusu (Ch); Tarkwa (Cu); Usami (Ch) . Taros and
dasheens are next to yams in importance in oriental economies. These vegetable crops look much
like the oto, but are readily identifiable by their peltate leaves. The taro has been so long cultivated
by vegetative propagation that it has not been known to set seed. It fares best in wet, rich soils of
the humid tropics, where the top of the corm is used in propagation. The corm is an important
element of the diet. the starch yield is nutritious and easily digested. The wildings may serve as food
sources also. The whole plant can be eaten. Panamanians apparently use only the corm, which must
be cooked to remove the crystals in it. the corm is eaten fried, boiled, baked, or converted into
breadstuffs. The leaves, after cooking, are a satisfactory potherb. The dasheen has more
carbohydrate and protein than the potato, and has a pleasant nutty flavor. The juice extracted from
the petioles is rubefacient, stimulant, and styptic, and is elsewhere used in treatment of earache.
Juice from the corms is used externally for baldness and internally as a laxative and an antidote to
wasp stings.
Colombiano: Bryophyllum (C)
Colombino: Aquilegia (C)
Colombo: Panopsis (C)
Color: Bixa (C)
Coloradito: Brownea (D); Heisteria (CR); Tovomitopsis (P)
Colorado: Calycophyllum (C); Centrolobium (C); Geissanthus (C); Nectandra (CR); Polylepis (C)
Colorin: Capparis (C)
Colpachi: Croton (W)
Comalillo: Hydrocotyle (CR)
COMBRETUM FRUTICOSUM Stuntz. Chupachupa (S). A cut stem yields a water
substitute. The stem is used for cordage.
Comedero: Laguncularia (C)
Comejenero: Oliganthes discolor (C)
Comenegro: Dialium (N); Garrya (N); Hieronyma (CR); Lonchocarpus (P); Swartzia (CR)
Comida de culebra: Casearia (N); Dieffenbachia (CR); Philodendron (CR); Rauvolfia (N); Xanthosoma (CR)
Comida de Langosta: Sida (C)
Comida de loro: Casearia (P)
Cominillo: Pectis (CR)
Comino: Aniba (C)
Comino crespo: Aniba (C)
Comino silvestre: Pectis elongata (C)
COMMELINA sp. Dayflower (E); Codillo (S) . The leaves serve as a potherb. the seeds
of some species serve as a famine food.
Compano: Samanea (C)
Conchita: Chrysanthemum (CR)
Concha de loma: Calea glomerata (C)
Conchudo: Pithecellobium (CR); Viburnum (CR)
Conejito: Delphinium (C)
Conejo: Calycophyllum (CR); Hirtella (P); Laetia (P)
Conejo colorado: Trichilia (P)
Conejo huasca: Anchietea (C)
Conene: Aeschynomene (CR)
Confederate vine: Antigonon (E)
Confite: Lantana (C)
Confitura: Lantana (C)
Conga: Hedychium (C)
Congo: Andira (C)
Congolo: Crescentia (C)
Congo pea: Cajanus (E)
Conidijo: Osteophloem (C)
CONJUNCTIVITIS: Inflammation of the trans parent membrane which covers the eyeball. Treated
with Acacia.
CONOBEA SCOPARIOIDES Benth. Hierba de sapo (C). Used in the Choco to combat
toothache.
CONOCARPUS ERECTUS L. Buttonwood (E); Mangle boton (P); Mangle marquito (CR); Mangle
torcido (P); Zaragosa (P) . The latex is styptic, leaves febrifugal and root used to treat
catarrh and gonorrhea. The wood is used for fuel and charcoal.
CONOSTEGIA XALAPENSIS Don. Canallito (P). The fruits are edible raw.
Conservadora: Petunia (C)
Contra: Apeiba (C); Capparis (C)
Contracapitano: Aristolochia (P)
CONTRACEPTIVE: A substance to prevent conception. Abrus, Ceiba.
Contraculebra: Aegiphila (P)
Contragallinazo: Cyphomandra (D)
Contragavilana: Neurolaena lobata (C,P)
Contrahierba: Dorstenia (S)
Contraveneno: Fevillea (CR); Securidaca (N)
CONYA BONARIENSIS Cronq. Venadillo (C); Yerba de caballo (C)
CONYA BONARIENSIA var. LEIOTHECA Cuatr. Chilquilla, Hoja-sauce
Copa: Protium (P)
Copachi: Aspidosperma (C)
Copaiba balsam: Copaifera (E)
COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS Jacq. Balsam capivi (E); Copaiba balsam (E); Cabimo (D); Canime
(C). One of the finest timbers in Darien, this tree is highly regarded medicinally. The gum
accumulating in the heartwood is used for massages and hair oil. It is supposed to be good for the
skin, and it is used, like carano, for extracting maggots. Yaviza Negroes mix it with honey and put
in the mouths of newly born to impart knowledge and ward of hexes. The gum is also used for
treating veneral diseases.
Copaju: Prioria (C)
Copal: Protium (CR)
Copal, South American: Hymenaea (E)
Copa de oro: Allamanda (C)
Copeicillo: Clusia (CR)
Copel: Clusia (CR)
Copete: Tecoma (P)
Copey: Clusia (CR)
Copidijo: Virola (P)
Copo Morado: Petrea (C)
Copte: Schizolobium (S)
Coquillito de cerro: Croton (P)
Coquillo: Astrocaryum (P); Jatropha (P); Lecythis (C)
Coquito: Corozo (CR); Elaeis (CR); Eugenia (CR); Hyptis (CR); Jatropha (CR)
Coral: Banisteria (CR); Eurya (CR); Razisea (CR)
Coralibe: Tabebuia (C)
Coralillo: Eugenia (P); Hamelia (CR); Inga (P); Picramnia (CR); Pithecellobium (P); Russelia (CR); Satyria (CR)
Coralito: Antigonon (C); Nertera (C); Russelia (C); Sickingia (C)
Corallero: Coccoloba (C); Randia (C,P)
Coral vine: Antigonon (E)
Coratu: Enterolobium (P)
Corazon: Annona (C); Anthurium (C)
Corazon cimarron: Annona (C)
Corazon herido: Clerodendrum (C)
Corazon de Jesus: Anthurium (C); Aristolochia (C); Caladium (P,C,CR)
Corazon sangriento: Caladium (C)
Coraon tranquilo: Lupinus (CR)
Corcho: Melaleuca (CR); Ochroma (P)
CORCHORUS SILIQUOSUS L. Broomweed (E); Escobilla (P); Te (P) . the leaves serve
as a tea substitute and sometimes are used as a potherb. Leaves and shoots of C. olitorium contain
about 5% protein.
CORDAGE: A substance used for rope. Aechmea, Apeiba, Cecropia, Cochlospermum, Combretum,
Coroso, Couroupita, Cydista, Davilla, Helicostylis, Desmoncus, Guazuma, Helicocarpus, Hibiscus,
Muntingia, Musa, Paullinia, Rollinia, Rourea, Pseudobombax, Securidaca, Sida, Trema, Triumfetta,
Urena, Xylopia.
CORDIA ALLIODORA Oken. Canalete (C); Capa (P); Laurel (P); Solera (C) (Fig.
105). The fruits are used by Amerinds as food. The seeds are used to treat skin diseases. A leaf
decoctiton is stomachic, tonic, and used for cattarh.
CORDIA HETEROPHYLLA R.&S. Niguito (P); Paico (P). The yellowish-white fruit is edible.
Several species have flowers attractive to bees.
Cordoncillo blanco: Piper (N)
Cordoncillo morado: Tradescantia (C)
Coriander: Coriandrum (E)
CORIANDRUM SATIVUM L. Coriander (E) . This plant is eaten as a vegetable. The seeds
are chewed to improve the breath, and they are considered carminative, pectoral, and sedative.
Coriente: Citharexylum (C)
Corimiente: Citharexylum (C)
Coremelina: Taetsia (CR)
Cormi: Pourouma (C)
Corn: Zea (E)
Corn, chicken: Sorghum (E)
Corneto: Iriartea (C)
Corn, Indian: Sorghum (E)
Corn, Jerusalem: Sorghum (E)
Corn, Kafir: Sorghum (E)
Cornoco: Acacia (C)
Cornudo: Swartzia (P)
CORNUTIA GRANDIFOLIA Schauer. Cuatro caras (P); Palo Cuadrado (P)
. The shrub finds its way into cures of asthma, erysipelas, and is used as a depurative.
Coroba: Jessenia (C); Xylopia (C,P)
Corocillo: Aiphanes (C); Bactris (P)
Corocito: Corozo (P); Syagrus (C); Vochysia (C)
Corocito colorado: Corozo (P)
Corocito de titi: Clusia (C)
Corombolo: Astrocaryum (C)
Corona: Xylosma (C)
Corona de cristo: Euphorbia (CR)
Corona de espina: Euphorbia (C)
Corona de la reina: Ixora (N)
Coronado: Thiabaudia (C)
Coronillo: Bellucia (CR); Muehlenbeckia (C); Pectis (CR)
Corono: Rhamnus (C)
Corotu: Enterolobium (P)
Corozo: Acrocomia (C); Aiphanes (C); Corozo (P); Scheelia (P)
Corozo amolado: Acrocomia (C)
Corozo anta: Corozo (C)
Corozo caucana: Acrocomia (C)
Corozo de chascara: Aiphanes (C)
Corozo chiquito: Aiphanes (C)
Corozo colorado: Aiphanes (C)
Corozo de gallinazo: Bactris (C); Pyrenoglyphis (C)
Corozo grande: Acrocomia (C)
Corozo de lata: Bactris (C)
Corozo de manteca: Corozo (C)
Corozo de marrano: Scheelia (C)
COROZO OLEIFERA Bailey. American oil palm (E); Corocito (P); Corozo colorado (P); Noli (C); Palma de manteca (C); Palma de Sebo (C); Samaque (Cu). The oily seeds and fruits are used to fatten chickens. In Darien and the Pearl Islands, the oil is extracted for cooking and hair dressing (!). Colombian curanderos use the oil as a medication for stomach inflammation. Fibers in the leaves are used to make a string. The inflorescences are used to fan away Mosquitos in Colombia.
Corozo de puerco: Attalea (C); Scheelia (C)
Corzo redondo: Acrocomia (C)
Corpus: Aechmea (CR)
Corral: Heteropteris (CR)
Corraleros: Coccoloba (C); Escallonia (C)
Correo: Cosmos bipinnatus (C)
Corrimiento: Citharexylum (P); Salvia (P)
Cortadera: Cyperus (P); Geonoma (D,P); Scleria (P)
Corta lengua: Casearia (P)
Cortapico: Bomarea (C)
Cortejo: Vinca (C)
Cortes : Apeiba (P); Tabebuia (CR)
Cortes amarillo: Tabebuia (CR)
Cortes negro: Guarea (CR)
Corteza: Tabebuia (CR)
Corteza amarillo: Tabebuia (CR)
Corteza de angostura: Galipea (C)
Corteza de chivo: Godmania (CR)
Corteza de venado: Longhocarpus (CR); Ruellia (CR)
Cortezo: Apeiba (P)
Cortillo: Aspidosperma (C)
Coruna: Scheelea (C)
Corunca: Catoblastus (C)
Corunta: Catoblastus (C); Oenocarpus (C)
COSMETIC: A substance used to decorate the body. Bixa, Calocarpum, Clematis, Genipa, Hibiscus,
Persea
COSMOS BIPINNATUS Cav. Guatemala (C); Correo (C)
COSMOS SULPHUREUS Cav. Sunflower (J); Ninomuerto (P). The leaves are edible raw or cooked.
Costillo: Machaerium (C)
Costillo de caballo: Acalypha
Costillo de danto: Didymopanax (N)
COSTUS SPICATUS Sw. The acid sap is used as a diuretic.
COSTUS VILLOSISSIMUS Jacq. Canagria (C,P); Cana de mico (P) . The plant is used in
the Choco to clean china and to wash white clothes (!). In Darien, it is used to clean fingernails (!).
The yellowish, transparant sap is used for fevers, e.g., typhoid and venereal diseases. Sap from the
center of young stems is laxative and good for quenching the thirst(!). It is mixed with rubber to treat
waterproff bags by the Darien Choco (!). Primitive goldsmiths in the Choco use the plant for
furbishing gold ornaments in the last stages of the crucible.
Coto: Lonchocarpus (CR)
Cotopais: Talisia (C)
Cotoperic: Myrtus (C); Talisia (C)
Cotopris: Talisia (C)
Cotorrito: Capparis (C)
Cotton tree: Ceiba (E); Ochroma (E)
Cotupli: Talisia (C)
COUMA MACROCARPA Barb. Arbol de leche (C); Cow tree (E); Avichuri (C); Chicle (E); Perillo
(C); Pero (C); Popa (C). The fruits are edible. The latex is potable, and is a source of chicle often
adulterated with that of Brosimum (!). It is used to treat diarrhea.
COUPEIA OVATIFOLIA Benth. Querebere (C). The fruit is edible.
COUROUPITA sp. Coco (D) . The hard wood is good for dugouts and the Choco say that
the seeds are edible (!). Some species are considered vermifuge.
COUTAREA HEXANDRA Schum. Mediagola (C); Nino muerto (P); Quina (S). The bitter
bark is used in Salvador and Colombia as a fever remedy.
Cow itch: Myriocarpa (B)
Cowpea: Vigna (E)
Cow tree: Brosimum (E); Couma (E)
Coygaraga: Chaptalia (S)
Coyol: Acrocomia (S)
Coylillo: Astrocaryum (CR)
Coyote: Aphelandra (CR); Platymiscium (CR,N)
Crabgrass: Ditigaria (E)
Crabwood: Ardisia (B); Carapa (E)
Crape myrtle: Lagerstroemia (E)
CRATEVA TAPIA L. Estrella (P); Muneco (CR); Naranjillo (C); Naranjuelo (C); Palo de Guaco (P);
Pepa de sabalo (C); Sorrocloco (C); Socorroclosa (C). The fruit, thoudh malodorous, is quite edible.
The sap is caustic. Cataplasms of the leaves are used to remove spines and a boiled infusion is
diuretic and febrifugal.
Crepuscularia: Oenothera (C)
CRESCENTIA CUJETE L. Calabash tree (E); Calabaza (C,P); Merique (D); Naba (Cu); Totumo
(C,P); Yatuseque (Ch). This species was noted by Columbus in Panama. The seeds are eaten
roasted, but the pulp of the mature fruit is dangerous, astringent, emollient, expectorant, and
laxative. Cattle that eat the fallen frui9t may suffer abortion. Nonetheless, a tea, made of the cooked
pulp of green fruits, is mixed with honey to alleviate childbirth among Chiricanos in Darien. After
birth, ashes of chicken feathers are placed on the umbilical scars. Young fruits are pickled like
walnuts in Jamaica. In Africa, young leaves are cooked in soups with those of Adansonia. The shell
of the fruit is used for utensils by all ethnic groups in Darien (!). In Colombia, halved totumos are
called socobe, pilche, and suchamate. Cuna women probably carry more than a thousand calabashes
of water a day down the Rio Ailigandi to the dry island of Ailigandi (!). Almost no Darien dugout
is without a halved calabash for bailing (!). Stained totumos have been exported to an appreciative
Europe for centuries. Around the Caribbean, natives float half-empty totumos at the mercy of the
wind. After aquatic birds have become accustomed to the totumos, a hunter comes in with his head
in a totumo and his body submerged, and can thus catch the birds. Columbus was once "bombed"
with totumos full of washed hot peppers and ashes, which made an effective tear and sneeze gas
when they broke. Other Indians used totumos with rocks attached to strings strung across
conquistador trails, so that the conquistadores accidentally announced their arrival. Halved totumos
serve as suin helmets . They are also used for masks for chamber pots ,
glasses, jock straps, brassieres, and perforated, for sieves. Chickens have been observed eating the
pulp of dry fruits. In San Blas, small totumos are kept over the barbacoas with salt.
Crespa: Catostigma (C)
Crespillo: Clematis (N)
Crespon: Urera (CR)
Cress: Lepidium (E)
Cresta: Aristolochia (C); Celosia (C)
Cresta de gallo: Paphinia (C); Spigelia (CR)
Cricamola: Pterocarpus (S)
Crillo: Minquartia (P)
Criollo: Minquartia (P)
Crisantemo: Chrysanthemum (CR)
Cristobal: Platymiscium (S)
CROTALARIA GUATEMALENSIS Benth. The leaves are used as a potherb in Central America.
CROTALARIA JUNCEA L. Sun hemp (E) . The leaves and young pods have served as
famine foods in India. Some species are good cattle feed, others are poisonous; some serve for bird
food, others do not.
CROTALARIA VITELLINA Ker. Zapatito del obispo (P). The young shoots are cooked like spinach.
Crowfoot grass: Dactyloctenium (E)
Crucete : Quassia (P)
Cruceto: Rusanta (C)
Crucilla, Crucillo, Crucito: Randia (CR)
CRYOSOPHILA WARCEWICZII Bartl. Noli (P); Nupa (D); Palma de escoba (P). The wool
at the leaf base is used for stuffing cusions. The leaves are used for thatch and brooms. Guaymi,
Choco, Cuna Indians, and Darien lumbermen prefer to do their tree felling during the waning moon,
be it to cut leaves for thatch or trees for timber. Perhaps they have accidentally found that there is
less insect swarming during the waning of the moon, hence on the newly felled products. Terminal
buds are used as a fish poison. From the fruits of the Choco's palma noli is extracted an oil used in
making soap.
Cuachepil: Diphysa (CA)
Cuacho: Perebea (P)
Cuajada: Vitex (CR)
Cuajada negra: Minquartia (CR,P)
Cuajaro: Cordia (C)
Cuajatinta: Cordia (CR)
Cuajilote: Aristolochia (CR); Parmentiera (CR)
Cuajiniquil, Cuajinicuil: Inga (S)
Cuala: Sida (Cu)
Cualacuala: Esenbeckia (C)
Cuangare: Dialyanthera (C); Iryanthera (C)
Cuapaste: Lonchocarpus (N)
Cuapinol: Hymenaea (S)
Cuaresma: Echinochloa (C)
Cuartillo: Peperomia (C)
Cuasa: Escallonia (C)
Cuasco: Barnadesia (C)
Cuasia: Quassia (C)
Cuasquito oloroso: Lantana (N)
Cuatcuat: Carica (Cu)
Cuatro casa: Cornutia (P)
Cuayote: Gonolobus (S)
Cuba: Phaseolus (CR)
Cubarro: Bactris (C)
Cubio: Tropaeolum (C)
Cucana: Duranta (C)
Cucarachero: Capparis (C)
Cucaracha: Zebrina (CR/ROC)
Cucatacho: Billia (CR)
Cucarron: Stanhopea (C)
Cucas: Duranta (C)
Cucharilla: Amphilophium (CR); Pithecellobium (CR)
Cucharo: Pera (C); Rapanea (C)
Cucharo colorado: Swartzia (P,C)
Cuchillito: Brownea (P); Browneopsis (D); Scleria (S)
Cuchillo: Canavalia (CR); Gossypiospermum (C)
Cuchinito: Elaterium (S)
Cucua: Brosimum (P); Poulsenia (C); Pseudolmedia (P)
Cucuaca: Viburnum (C)
Cucubaro: Rapanea (C)
Cucubo: Solanum (C)
Cucumber: Cucumis (E)
Cucumber, wild: Melothria (E)
CUCUMIS ANGURIA L. West Indian gherkin (E). The young fruits are eaten boiled or pickled.
CUCUMIS MELO L. Canteloupe (E); Muskmelon (E); Melon (C,P) . The fruits are eaten
raw. The seeds are edible, diuretic, and nutritive. Production of the fruits is mostly in the dry season
in Panama.
CUCUMIS SATIVUS L. Cucumber (E); Cohombros (C); Pepino (P) . The fruits are eaten
raw or pickled. The seeds are edible raw or roasted, and are not uncommonly cultivated in mixed
fincas in Darien (!).
CUCURBITA MOSCHATA Duch. Ahuyama (C); Zapallo (P) . The mature fruits are eaten
cooked or dried as a flour. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. the flowers, leaves, young shoots, and
green froots serve as a potherb. The plant was a staple to the Guaymi, who called it "uyamas."
CUCURBITA spp. Squash (E); Calabaza (P); Moe (Cu); Zapallo (P) . Squashes are a
common vegetable in the interior. Among the Mayas to the north, squash is eaten in many forms,
e.g. the squash is boiled with salt and eaten as a vegetable, the seeds are roasted and ground
to form a meal, the seeds are roasted and eaten like nuts, the seeds are mixed with beans and
jobo fruits and seasoned with achiote and chile for a dish called kol. Ground squash seeds are mixed
with the boiled leaves of Jatropha aconitifolia, chiel, salt, and rum to make a Maya dish. The sap
is prescribed by the Maya for burns. Rubbing pumpkin leaves on cattle is said to discourage flies.
Leaves are sometimes eaten, those of C. maxima with about 5% protein.
Cuerda de violin: Cuscuta (C)
Cuerdilla: Cuscuta (C)
Cuerillo: Valerioa (CR)
Cuernito: Acacia (P); Myrmecodendron (P)
Cuero negro: Campomanesia (C)
Cuero de vaca: Cydista (S)
Cuesco: Attalea (C); Scheelea (C)
Cuetillo: Hamelia (S)
Cuezo: Malpighia (C)
Cugia: Parathesis (N)
Cuica: Caesalpinia (C); Parkinsonia (C)
Cuichunchulo: Ionidium (C)
Cuijin: Inga (S)
Cuingara: Echites (P)
Cuipo: Cavanillesia (P)
Cujete: Crescentia (S)
Cuji: Acacia (C); Neltuma (C); Poponax (C)
Cujia: Andira (N); Ardisia (N)
Cuji cimarron: Acacia (C)
Cuji hediondo: Piptadenia (C)
Culantrillo: Apium (CR)
Culantrillo de piedra: Adiantum (P)
Culantro: Coriandrum (C); Eryngium (S)
Culantro de castilla: Coriandrum (CR)
Cula de poeta: Thunbergia (CR)
Culate: Arrabidea (C)
Culen: Psoralea (C)
Culo de Indio: Cupania (C); Matayba (C)
Cultantro cimarron: Eryngium (CR); Hypericum (CR)
Culantro coyote: Eryngium (CR)
Culuju: Theobroma (Ch)
Culumete: Avicennia (CR)
Culupa: Passiflora (C)
Cumajo: Theobroma (C)
Cumare: Astrocaryum (C)
Cumarica: Machaerium (C)
Cumaru: Coumarouna (S)
Cumbi: Catostigma (C)
Cumula: Aspidosperma (C)
Cuna: Machaerium (C)
Cuna de Venus: Anguloa (C)
Cundeamor: Ipomoea (S); Momordica (CR/ROC)
Cunsagarocri: Apeiba (P)
CUPANIA AMERICANA L. Gorgojero (P); Gorogojo (P); Guacharaco (C) . Leaves of this
honey plant are regarded as lithontroptic.
Cuperi: Jessenia (C)
CUPHEA sp. Nakikwa (Cu); Tinaki (Cu). Cultivated by the Cuna, the plant is used both as a fish
lure and a febrifuge (!).
Cupis: Drimys (C)
Cuprea: Remijia (C)
Cura: Persea (C); Viburnum (CR)
Curaarador: Bocconia (C)
Curabubo: Jacaranda (C)
Curador: Bocconia (C)
Curaleta: Curatella (P)
Curapa: Passiflora (C)
Curare: Strychnos (E)
Curari: Tabebuia (C)
Curaride: Tabebuia (C)
Curasao: Bouganvillea (C)
Curatela: Curatella (P)
CURATELLA AMERICANA L. Sandpaper tree (E); Azufre (P); Carne de fiambre (C); Chaparro (C);
Chumico (P); Curatela (P); Hoja Chigue (CR); Raspa-huacal (CR); Peralejo macho (C) .
The seeds are used to flavor cacao. The bark is regar5ded as vulnerary. The buds are used to make
a tea for treating asthma and smoker's hack (!). The leaves are used to polish wooden articles and
to scrub pots and pans.
Curatero: Bursera (C)
Curaverrugas: Lantana (C)
Curazao: Bougainvilla (C)
CURCUMA LONGA L. Tumeric (E); Achirilla (C); Azafran (C); Batatilla (C); Camotillo (C); Raiz
americana (C); Yuquilla (CR) . Occasionally planted in Panama, the rootstock is used as
a dye and a condiment, staining yellow along, pink with lemon juice.
Cure-all: Cassia (J)
Curia: Justicia (P)
Curibano: Scleria (C)
Curito: Elutheria (C)
Curly dock: Rumex (E)
Curnique: Jacaranda (C)
Curracay: Protium (C)
Curua: Parascheelea (C); Scheelea (C)
Currare: Musa (C)
Curuba: Passiflora (C)
Curujujul: Bromelia (C)
Curumuta: Scheelea (C)
Curuntilla: Cereus
Curutu: Enterolobium (P)
Cusomacho: Cupania (C)
Cusparia: Galipea (C)
Cuspiritu: Pourouma (C)
Custard apple: Annona (E)
Cusu: Cordia (C)
Cutarro: Swartzia (P)
Cusuce: Bromelia (C)
Cuyabra: Lagenaria (C)
Cuyanguilla: Peperomia (C)
Cuyanigum: Dieffenbachia
Cuyanquillo: Vanilla (C)
Cuyus: Sapindus (N)
CYATHEA sp. Tree fern (E); Bobas (C); Palma helecho (S); Rabo de chango (CR); Sarro (C); Zarro
(C) . The terminal cabbages are edible raw or cooked. The stems of certain West Indian
species are used to carry and preserve fire, which can be maintained for hours without smoke or
flames. The hairs and scales at the base of the leaves are good for stopping bleeding.
CAYTHULA ACHYRANTHOIDES Moq. Cuilimaleguit (Cu). The leaves are used by the
Cuna as an antihemorrhagic.
CYCAS spp. Cycads (E). the genus Cycas, cultivated in Panama, especially about the Canal Zone,
is a useful but dangerous genus. The leaves, although toxic to cattle, may be eaten after prolonged
cooking, during which the water is changed. Fruits, also poisonous, may be soaked for days, sun
cured, and converted into a flour for making bread sutffs. The pith may be diced, sun cured, and
ground up in water to yield a dough used for making breadstuffs.
CYCLANTHERA EXPLODENS Naud. Pepino diablito (C). The fruits are eaten in salads.
CYCLANTHERA PEDATA Schrad. Archucha (C); Caygua (CR); Pepino de Rellenar (C). The fruits
are edible cooked with oil anhd vinegar or in stews. Raw, they taste somewhat like cucumbers.
CYCNOCHES TONDUZII Schltr. The inflorecence is mixed with Genipa and applied to a Choco
fisherman's hands to improve his luck!
CYDISTA DIVERSIFOLIA Miers. Bejuco catabrero (C); Bejuco esquinero (C). This vine
is good for tying bohios together. Also it is a good honey plant.
CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS Stapf.: Lemon grass (E); Yerba de limón (CR/ROC); Zacate de
limón (CR/ROC).
CYMBOPOGON NARDUS Rendle. Citronella (E); Lemon grass (E); Hierba de limon (S);
Limoncilla (C) . Brushing the teeth with the rhizome is supposed to whiten and preserve.
The leaves, used as a condiment in soups and meats, are also a tea substitute, and the source of an
insecticide. In Darien, they are primarily used in a refreshing medicinal tea (!). Travelers destined
to be away from water awhile take a few rootstocks along to chew, believing that this alleviates the
thirst (!). In the Choco, the tea is used for treationg fevers and malaria, and for perfuming the
houses.
CYNODON DACTYLON Pers. Bermudagrass (E); Grama (C); Pasto argentina (C) .
The leaves and culms have served as famine foods, although mildly toxic when young. The rhizomes
are considered antiecbolic, aperiebnt, diuretic, and laxative. The rhizome is sold in packets in
medellin as vende-aguja.
CYPERUS cf. LIGULARIS L. Ceda (Cu); Purua (C). The aromatic roots are used by the Cuna for
debility and stomachache.
CYPERUS ESCULENTUS L. Chufa . Elsewhere, the plant is cultivated for its edible
tubers.
CYPERUS ROTUNDUS L. Nutgrass (E); Purple nutsedge (E); Junco (P) . Considered one
of the worst weeds on the Azuero Peninsula, tubers are edible fresh or dried, used in perfumes (!).
CYPHOMANDRA BETACEA Sendt. Tree tomato (E); Naranjito (P); Palo de tomate (S);
Tomate de arbol (C,CR). The fruits, edible raw or preserved, are raised extensively in Chiriqui, but
the plant does not do well at low elevations (!).
CYPHOMANDRA COSTARICENSIS Donn. Smith. Conta gallinazo (D). The crushed leaves are used
by the Choco for thrush.
Cypress vine: Ipomoea (E)
CYRILLA RACEMIFLORA L. . The tree is a good honey plant, but apparently rare in
Panama.