Saba: Sarapa (P); Dialyanthera (P); Inga (P); Pachira (N)
SABAL ALLENII Bailey: Guagara (D); Soso (Cu) . The Bayano Cuna use young leaf stalks
as a medicine for female troubles (!). Inland Cuna bridges usually consist of three poles of guagara,
Darien's most valued thatch palm (!).
SABICEA HIRSUTA H.B.K.: Uva (C). The fruits afe eaten and the leaves are used in a tea to treat
venereal diseases in the Choco (!).
Sabila: Aloe (C)
Saborero: Phyllostylon (C)
Sabroso: Pterocarpus (C)
Sabto: Cordia (P)
Sabuga: Chrysophyllum (Cu)
Saca manteca: Solanum (P)
Saca ojo: Palicourea (C)
Sacatinta: Jacobina (CR); Justicia (CR/ROC)
SACHARUM OFFICINALE L.: Sugarcane (E); Cai (Cu); Cana de Azucar (S); Cha (Ch); Kaya (Cu)
. Sugarcane may be eaten out of hand or converted into molasses, syrup, soft drinks, rum,
or distilled alcohol. Those who tire of these may find the seeds a source of food, although under
plantation circumstances, the cane rarely sets seeds. Molasses and rum are often used to flavor
tobacco. To make sugar in the bush, crush the canes, neutralize with crushed sea shells, strain, and
boil down, skimming off the scum on top occasionally. Among the Bayano Cuna, cane is
squeezed in a press and the juice consumed daily. These and the lowland Cuna
probably have a higher cacne consumption than other ethnic groups. Along the Rio Sabana, above
Sante Fe, it is illegal to make guarapo fuerte without permission from La Palma, but many Choco
and Cuna houses have their own cane mills . From the expressed juices they make a host
of beverages. Choco sometimes feed the grist to the hogs. Around Ocu, it is used as a fish poison.
Cune sometimes use it for fuel. The root is considered demulcent and diuretic. Sugar has been
successfully used as an antidote in case of poisoning by arsenic, copper, or corrosive sublimate.
Fibers obtained from the plant have been used to lash logs together and the grass itself is used as a
thatching material.
Saffron: Crocus (E)
Sage: Salvia (E)
Sage, white: Lantana (C)
SAGITTARIA sp.: Arrowleaf (E); Saetea de agua (S) . The tubers can be cooked, dried, and
ground to form a starch. Young leaves and flower stalks may be tried as an emergency ration.
Bruised leaves are applied as a poultice to infected sores, chronic itch, and snake and insect bites.
Sagu: Maranta (CR,P); Phytelephas (Cu)
Sahinillo: Dieffenbachia (P); Freziera (P)
Sahumerio: Styrax (P)
Saint John's bread: Entada (E)
Saivo: Erythrina (C)
Sajaldagua: Carludovica (C)
Sajanillito: Eurya (P)
Sajanillo: Cleyera (P)
Sajino blanco: Goupia (C)
Cajo: Campnosperma (C)
Saladero: Pachira (C)
Salado: Clibadium (C); Vochysia (C)
Salamo: Calycophyllum (CR,N,P)
Salero: Pachira (C)
C
SALMEA SCANDENS DC.: Barbasco (C); Duerme boca (C,S); Salta-afuera (C); Verbesina (C).
this plant is chewed to alleviate toothache; it is also used as a fish poison.
Salta-afuera: Salmea (C)
SALT SOURCE: A plant that may be converted into a salt substitute. Achyranthes, Adansonia,
Avicennia, Ceiba, Heliconia, Heliotropium, Jatropha, Musa, Pentaclethra, Pistia.
Salton: Marina (C)
Saltwort: Batis (E)
Salvadero: Hura (C)
Salvia: Buddleja (CR); Eupatorium (C); Hyptis (P); Lippia (CR); Vernonia (P)
Salvia amarga: Eupatorium (C)
Salvia blanca: Buddleja (C)
Salvia gavilana: Neurolaena lobata (C)
Salvia de monte: Acalypha (C)
Salvia de la playa: Croton (C)
SALVIA OCCIDENTALIS Sw.: Cansa perro (P); Corrimiento (P); Inaosi (Cu) . the leaves
are used by the Cuna to treat back pains; other natives used the plants to cure toothache.
Salvia santa: Buddleia (C)
Salvia virgen: Buddleia (CR/ROC)
Salvilla cimarrona: Cordia (CR)
Salvio: Cordia (C)
Samaguare: Pithecellobium (CR,P); Samanea (C)
Saman: Enterolobium (C); Pithecellobium (CR,C); Samanea (C)
SAMANEA SAMAN Merrill: Rain tree (E); Campano (C); Genizaro (C); Saman (C);
Samaguare (C) . The pods of this honey tree serve as cattle fodder. There is a sweetish
pulp (!) about the poisonous seeds. A decoction of the bark is reputed to be good for intestinal colds.
Samaque: Corozo (Cu)
Sambogum: Clusia (P); Symphonia (CR,J,P)
SAMBUCUS MEXICANA Presl.: Elder (CR/ROC,E); Sauco (CR/ROC,S). The flowers may be tried
cooked in batter. The fruits are edible.
Sanalego: Vernonia (P)
Sanalotodo: Arcytophyllum (C); Baccharis (C)
Sanatonia: Calycophyllum (C)
Sancho-arana: Bravaisia (C)
Sanci: Coriaria (C)
Sandal: Cassia (E)?
Sandalo: Cassia (CR); Myroxylon (CR)
Sandalwood: Santalum (E)
Sandbox tree: Hura (E)
Sandbur: Cenchrus (E)
Sande: Brosimum (C)
Sandia: Citrullus (S); Elaterium (P)
Sandia cimarron: Passiflora (CR)
Sandillita: Melothria (P); Pittiera (CR)
Sandolo: Cassia (CR)
Sandpaper tree: Curatella (E)
Sangre: Croton (D); Licania (P); Pterocarpus (C); Virolia (N)
Sangre blanco: Nectandra (CR,N,P)
Sangre de drago: Gliricidia (CR,P); Pterocarpus (D)
Sangregao: Pterocarpus (C)
Sangre de gallina: Vismia (C)
Sangregallo: Croton (C); Pterocarpus (D)
Sangre de perro: Vismia (P)
Sangre de toro: Chrysochalmys (C); Dialyanthera (C); Rumex (C); Virola (C)
Sangregado: Pterocarpus (CR,N,P)
Sangregado falso: Pentaclethra (N)
Sangrillo: Croton (P); Platymiscium (P); Pterocarpus (CR); Vismia (P)
Sangrillo negro: Dialium (P); Paramachaerium (P)
Sangrito: Vismia (C)
Sangro: Vismia (C)
Sanguinaria: Alternanthera (S); Oxalis (C); Lantana (C)
Sandigual: Achimenes (C)
San Joaquim: Hibiscus (C)
San Jose: Celosia (S)
San Juan: Turnea (N)
San Juanillo: Heliconia (P); Hyptis (P)
San Juanito: Renealmia (C); Vallea (C)
San Matias: Protium (C)
San Miguel: Blakea (CR)
San Miguel blanco: Blakea (CR)
San Pedro: Allophylus (C)
San Rafael: Senecio (CR); Zinnia (CR)
San Rafaelito: Lantana (P)
Sansapote: Licania (CR)
SANSEVIERIA GUINEENSIS Willd.: Snake plant (E); Mapana (C); Sanseviera (C) (Fig.
272). The snake plant is cultivated, as in Las Perlas, where it is regarded as a snakebite cure (!).
Santa Clara: Solanum (P)
Santa Lucia: Ageratum (CR); Alomia (CR); Eupatorium (CR); Petrea (P); Turnera (C)
Santa Maria: Baccharis (P); Calophyllum (CR); Liabum (C); Miconia (CR); Piper (CR); Pothomorphe (P)
Santa negrito: Lantana (CR)
Santa Rosa: Triplaris (N)
Santo Domingo: Baccharis (CR)
Santuria: Eupatorium amygdalinum (C)
Sapa: Metasocratea (C)
Sapan: Bowdichia (C); Diplotropis (C)
Saparon: Theobroma (CR)
Sapayo: Cucurbita (CR)
Sape: Catostigma (C)
SAPINDUS SAPONARIA L.: Soapberry (E); Chocho (C); Chumbimbo (C); Jaboncillo (S);
Limoncillo (P); Michu (C); Morkowekuak (Cu); Pepo (C) . This honey tree is a fish
poison. The seeds are used for buttons and necklaces. They are powdered and used as an insecticide.
The fruits are used as a soap substitute (!). Decoctions of the roots are astringent and tonic. A leaf
infusion is used to treat snake bites and sting ray wounds.
Sapino: Goupia (C)
Sapo: Clavija (P); Euphorbia (N); Grias (P); Torrubia (C)
Sapodilla: Achras (E); Manilkara (E)
Sapote: Calocarpum (CR,S); Pouteria (CR); Tetrathylacium (CR)
Sapote macho: Lucuma (C)
Sapote de monte: Matisia (C)
Sapotillo: Leonia (C); Licania (CR); Quararibea (C)
Sapotolongo: Pachira (C)
Saptur: Genipa (Cu)
Saptutu: Borreria (Cu)
Sapucaia nut: Lecythis (E)
Sapuyo: Cucurbita (P)
Saquisaqui: Ceiba (C)
Sara: Copernicia (C)
Saracacha: Arracacia (C)
Saracontil: Chaemasenna (S)
Sarsparilla: Smilax (E)
Saray: Syagrus (C)
Sarcillejo: Bocconia (C)
Sardinillo: Tecoma (N)
Sardino: Xylopia (CR)
Saril: Hibiscus (P)
Sarniselo: Jacquinia (C)
Sarno: Bocconia (C); Mauria (C)
Sarpoleta: Polygala (C)
Sarrapia: Coumarouna (C)
Sarro: Cyathea (C)
Sarsaparilla: Smilax (E)
Sartalillo: Picramnia (CR)
Sasafras: Bursera (C)
Satteula: Triplaris (Cu)
SATYRIA WARSZEWICZII Klozsch: Muela (CR). The juicy fruits are edible.
Sauce: Casuarina (N);Oliganthes discolor (C); Parkinsonia (C); Salix (C); Tessaria (C)
Sauce blanco: Tessaria (C)
Sauce colorado: Salix (C)
Sauce de playa: Tessaria integrifolia (C)
Sauce playero: Tessaria (C)
Sauco: Cestrum (C); Sambucus (CR/ROC,S); Solanum (P); Viburnum (C)
Sauco blanco: Cestrum (C)
Sauco macho: Protium (D); Solanum (C)
Sauco de monte: Aegiphila (C); Viburnum (C)
Sauco negro: Cestrum (C)
Sauga: Carludovica (Cu)
SAURAUIA SCABRA H.B.K.: Dulumoco (C); Lulumoco (C); Moquillo (C). The fruits are edible.
Sausagetree: Kigelia (E)
Sauza: Salix (C)
Savi: Inga (CR)
Savila: Aloe (CR)
Sawgrass: Mariscus (E)
SCABIES: An itching disease of the skin caused bya burrowing mite. Treated with Mangifera,
Terminalia, Thespesia.
Scarlet bush: Hamelia (E)
Scarvo: Theobroma (CR)
SCHEELIA BUTYRACEA Karst.: Corozo (C); Corozo de puerco (C); Cuesco (C); Curumuta
(C); Palma real (C); Palma de vino (C). The cabbage is eaten cooked. this good wine palm has a
good oil seed. The seed is eaten in the Cauca Valley but usually mashed and mixed with roast green
plantain, forming a dish called sango.
SCHEELIA ZONENSIS Bailey: Corozo (P); Manaca (P); Palma real (S); Palma de vino (D). The
seeds are rich in oil. A palm wine is made from the sap. The leaves are used for thatch.
SCHULTESIA LISIANTHOIDES Benth. & Hook.: Sulfatillo (S). In Salvador this species
is used as a remedy for malaria.
SCIADODENDRON EXCELSUM Griseb.: Jobo de Largarto (P). In Panama, the petioles are used
for making bird cages.
SCOPARIA DULCIS L.: Escoba dulce (P); Escobilla amaraga (P); Sweet broom (J) . This
is a common weed. Jamaicans claim that putting branches in drinking water keeps it cool.
Cataplasms with salt are used to treat the swelling of snakebite in Colombia (!). The plant is also
used for venereal disease.
Scotch ebo: Hieronyma
Screwpine: Pandanus (E)
SCREWWORMS: Larvae or maggots of certain flies that burrow in the living body. Treated with
Annona, Asclepias, Chenopodium, Dracontium, Funastrum, Moringa, Nicotiana, Oxalis, Prioria,
Protium, Theobroma.
Sea almond: Terminalia (E)
Sea bean: Caesalpinia (E); Canavalia (E); Entada (E)
Sea grape: Coccoloba (E)
Sea oats: Uniola (E)
Sea purslane: Sesuvium (E)
Search-my-heart: Miconia (C)
Sebillo: Dialyanthera (D); Osteophloem (C); Virola (C)
Sebo: Compsoneura (C); Dialyanthera (CR)
Sebo-capsi: Osteophloem (C)
SECALE CEREALE L.: Rye (E); Centeno (C). Rye is an important grain source for food, beer, and
alcohol, especially in the temperate zones. It is not evident along the routes.
SECHIUM EDULE Sw.: Chayote (E,P); Alchoncha (C); Cidrapapa (C); Cidrayote (C);
Huisquila (C) . Leaves and young shoots contain about 4% protein. The seeds are also
eaten.
Secua: Fevillea (C)
Secuadro: Protium (D)
SECURIDACA DIVERSIFOLIA Blake: Bejuco amarrar (P); Bejuco mulato (S). The vine is used
for cordage to treat venereal diseases.
Seda: Asclepias (C); Calotropis (C)
SEDATIVE: A substance used to quiet a person or put him to sleep. Achyranthes, Bocconia,
Cannabis, Cissampelos, Citrus, Cochlospermum, Coriandrum, Datura, Erythrina, Gossypium,
Hydrocotyle, Lactuca, Mimosa, Papaver, Passiflora, Piscidia, Sica, Solanum.
Sedativo: Argemone (C)
Seduatenet: Mirabilis (Cu)
SEEDS EDIBLE-COOKED: Plants whose seeds are edible after cooking or processing. Aleurites,
Amaranthus, Anacardium, Arachis, Avena, Chenopodium, Cicer, Coix, Crescentia, Cucurbita,
Digitaria, Dipteryx, Entada, Enterolobium, Eugenia, Fagopyrum, Gossypium, Hibiscus, Hordeum,
Kigelia, Lecythis, mangifera, Meliococcus, Moringa, Nymphaea, Oryza, Oxalis, Pachira,
Parmentiera, Phaseolus, Pisum, Polygonum, Pontederia, Portulaca, Psophocarpus, Rumex,
Scheelia, Secale, Sechium, Sesamum, Setaria, Sorghum, Spondias, Sporobolus, Sterculia,
Tamarindus, Terminalia, Triticum, Typha, Uniola, Urena, Vicia, Victoria, Ximenia, Zea, Zizyphus.
SEEDS EDIBLE-RAW: Plants whose seeds are edible without processing. Adansonia, Aiphanes,
Arachis, Attaea, Avena, Bambusa, Bertholletia, Bixa, Cajanus, Calonyction, Carica, Caryodendron,
Canvanillesia, Ceiba, Cenchrus, Chrysobalanus, Commelina, Couroupita, Cucumis,
Dactyloctenium, Dipterys, Eleusine, Guilielma, Hippocratea, Hirtella, Lecythis, Panicum,
Paspalum, Pennisetum, QAuisqualis, Sterculia, Terminalia, Zea.
SEEDS POISONOUS: Plant whose seeds are toxic. Abrus*, Adenanthera*, Andira, Avicennia,
Canavalia*, Carapa, Cassia, Cleome, Datura, Erythrina*, Cliricidia, Gossypium, Hura*, Jatropha,
Leucaena*, Mammea, Melia, Melothria, MIrabilis, Momordica*, Ormosia, Pachyrhizus, Paullinia,
Plumeria, Rhynchosia*, Ricinus, Rourea, Spigelia, Strychnos, Thevetia. *Used in necklaces.
Segun: Allamanda (Cu)
Seje: Jessenia (C)
Seibo: Erythrina (C)
SELAGINELLA sp.: Helecho ; Naibe Ugigwi (Cu). the plant is used by the Cuna for female
sickness and by the Choco for snakebite.
SELENIPEDIUM CHICA Reichenb. f.: Vanilla (E); Chica (P). The vanilla-scented capsules are used
like vanilla.
Selerwala: Oenocarpus (Cu)
Semba: Xylopia (C)
SENECIO ABIETINUS Wedd.: Panque romero (C); Romero chiquito (C)
SENECIO FORMOSUS H.B.K.: Arnica, Arnica de Bogota (C); Arnica de paramo (C)
SENECIO GUICANENSIS Cuatr.: Basquin (C)
SENECIO LANATUS DC.: Chitaca (C)
SENECIO LEHMANNII Hieron.: Remero de monte (C)
SENECIO MACROPHYLLUS H.B.K.: Agua Libia (C)
SENECIO MICROCHAETE Wedd.: Romero de monte (C)
SENECIO NIVEO-AUREUS Cuatr.: Arnica Ceniza (C)
SENECIO PULCHELLUS DC.: Romero (C); Chiquilla nudosa (C)
SENECIO RUFESCENS DC.: Frailejon blanco (C)
SENECIO VACCINIOIDES Sch. Bip.: Guasguin (C)
Sen de palillo: Chamaefistula (CR)
Senna: Cassia (E)
Sensitiva: Mimosa (C)
Sensitive plant: Mimosa (E)
Sequarra: Eugenia (P)
Sensitiva agua: Neptunia (C)
Sere: Clusia (CR)
Seren-gro: Hirtella (CR)
SERJANIA MEXICANA Willd.: Barbasco (S). the plant, chewed as a toothache remedy, is used
as a fish poison.
Serpe: Coussapoa (C); Pourouma (C)
Serraja, Serrajilla: Sonchus (CR)
Serren Serren: Alchornea (C)
Seruru: Guazuma (CR)
Sesame: Sesamum (E)
SESAMUM INDICUM L.: Sesame (E); Ajonjoli (S) . The seeds, made into sweetmeats
, are toasted and ground into meal. Expressed oil is used
for salads, liniments, cooking, and illumination. The seeds are considered aperient, aphrodisiac,
cataplasmic, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogic, lactogogic, laxative, tonic, and unguent. Sesame
is being investigated as a potential oil source on the Azuero Peninsula (!).
SESBANIA GRANDIFLORA Pers.: Agati sesbania (S); Gallito (S) . The flowers, green
pods, and young leaves may be eaten fried or in soups. The bark is aperient, antidysenteric, emetic,
and febrifugal. The leaves are diuretic and laxative, and said to contain about 8.5% protein.
Seskalo: Solanum (Cu)
Seso vegetal: Blighia (S)
SESUVIUM PORTULACASTRUM L.: Sea purslane (E); Verdolago rosado (CR). The seeds have
served as a famine food. The leaves are eaten raw or pickled or as a presalted potherb.
SETARIA spp.: Foxtail grass (E). The seeds make good grain substitutes.
Sevi: Inga (CR)
Shame face: Mimosa (E)
Shame weed: Mimosa (E)
Shellflower: Alpinia (E)
Shru: Mammea (CR)
Shumgin: Guazuma (CR)
Sia: Canavalia (Cu)
Siakwa: Theobroma (Cu)
Sibato: Hedyosmum (C)
Sibicogen: Momordica (C)
Sibricojen: Momordica (C)
SICANA ODORIFERA Naud.: Casabanana (E); Chila (P) . The fruits, edible raw,
cooked, or preserved, are used to scent clothing and are hung in bohios as a perfume.
Sicche: Zanthoxylum (C)
SICKINGIA MAXONII Standl.: Guaytil (P); Guaytil colorado (P); Jagua de montana (P); Wytil (P).
The bark is a febrifuge and purgative.
SIDA ACUTA Burm.: Escobilla (P); Kwala (Cu). This plant, eaten to some extent by stock, yields
cordage.
SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA L.: Escobilla (P); Hierba de puerco (P). The leaves, used to treat stomach
disorders, are regarded as diuretic and sedative. In Mexico, the leaves are used as a substitute for
Chinese tea. As a vegetable they contain about 7.4% protein. The seeds are demulcent and
emollient.
SIDEROXYLON sp.: Mastic (E); Tortugo amarillo (S). The fruits are edible.
Sidseed: Paspalum (E)
Siempreviva: Echeveria (CR); Gomphrena (P); Helichrysum bracteaum (C); Helipterum manglesii
(C); Jacquinia (CR); Peperomia (C).
SIEGESBECKIA CORDIFOLIA H.B.K.: Trompetilla (C)
Sierra: Rapanea (CR)
Sietecamisas: Ipomoea
Siete cascas: Machaerium (C)
Siete colores: Lantana (C)
Siete cueros: Lonchocarpus (CR,P); Machaerium (C); Meriana (C); Tibouchina (C)
Sigin: Ficus (CR)
Sigua: Citharexylum (P); Nectandra (CR); Phoebe (CR)
Sigua amarillo: Nectandra (CR); Ocotea (P)
Sigua blanca: Nectandra (CR,P) Phoebe (P)
Sigua canela: Nectandra (P); Ocotea (CR,P)
Sigua negro: Nectandra (P)
Siguaton: Licaria (P)
Sikra: Byrsonima (CR)
Sikro: Diphysa (CR)
Silbadero: Geoffroea (CR)
Silbo-silbo: Hedyosmum (C)
Silencio: Buddleja (CR)
Silion: Lucuma (N)
Silk cotton tree: Ceiba (E)
Silk oak: Grevillea (E)
Sillo: Torrubia (C)
Silva-silva: Hedyosmum (C)
SILYBUM MARIANUM Gaertner: Cardo espinoso (C); Cardo santo (C); Cardodn morado (C)
SIMABA CEDRON Planch.: Cedron (C). The seeds are regarded as a fever and snakebite cure (!).
They were formerly exported from Costa Rica. In colombia, the fruits are used in colic and malaria
cures (!). Although bitter, the fruit is eaten by some frugivores (!). Cuna powder the fruits or maike
a tea of the leaves roots to protect against snakes or other enemies.
SIMAROUBA GLAUCA DC.: Aceituno (CR,CR/ROC,P,S); Olivo (CR); Simaruba (C). The wood
burns green, and the bark is antimalarial. The oil-rich fruits are edible and attract many birds, e.g.,
chachalachas, flycatchers, motmots, and thrushes. The oil is used for cooking and soap.
Simaruba: Simarouba (C)
Sindarure: Euphorbia (C)
Singra: Diphysa (CR)
Sinkra: Platymiscium (CR)
Sinomas: Musa (Cu)
Sinta: Calyptrogyne (N)
SIPARUNA GUIANENSIS Aubl.: Hierba de pasmo (P); Urcugalabili (Cu). This species, a remedy
for colic, kills vermin on fowl. The San Blas use it for snakebite and colds (!). Colombian
curanderos use it for headache, often mashed in alcohol and placed over the forehead (!). La Nueva
Negroes drink a leaf infusion for rheumatic pains.
SIPARUNA NICARAGUENSIS Heml.: Wild coffee (E); Limoncillo (P) . Crushed leaves
make an aromatic tea used to treat colds and rheumatism. The leaves are placed over headaches.
SIPARUNA PAUCIFLORA A.DC.: Pasmo (P); Pasmo tetano (P). This is used by the Choco
to cure chills in women and by the Cuna for fever. Western Panamanians in Darien use the leaves
in a tea or bath to treat intermittent fever, grip and probably malarial chills.
Sipia: Cassia (CR)
Sirena: Pistia (C)
Sirin: Miconia (CR)
Siringa: Hevea (C)
Sirpe: Pourouma (C)
Sirsisijo: Passiflora (Ch)
Sirvulaca: Bidens (P); Melampodium (P); Melanthera (P); Simsia (P); Spilanthes (P)
Sisin: Ceiba (N)
Siuta: Calyptrogyne (CR)
Skirko: Byrsonima (CR)
Skuarbon: Bellucia (CR)
Skullcap: Scutellaria (E)
Slipper plant: Pedilanthus (E)
SLOANEA spp.: Casaco (P); Terciopelo (CR); Zopilote (CR) . Nuts of certain species are
edible though sometimes surrounded by stinging hairs. The wood of some species burns when green.
Smartwood: Polygonum (E)
SMILAX MOLLIS H.&B.: Greenbrier (E); Pate (S). The yam-like roots are used as a fish poison.
Other species find their way into home remedies for syphilis, leprosy, etc.
SMILAX sp.: China (C); Chinese root (CR/ROC); Raiz de Chino (CR/ROC) . Said to be a remedy
for sterility in barren women.
SNAKEBITE CURES: Plants used in treatment of snakebite. Achyranthes, Aristolochia, Cassia,
Chiococca, Cissampelos, Clavija, Doxantha, Mikania, Moringa, Musa, Opuntia, Petiveria,
Philodendron, Quassia, Sagittaria, Sansevieria, Sapindus, Scoparia, Simaba, Siparuna, Tussacia.
Snake root: Aristolochia (E)
Snowbush: Phyllanthus (E)
So: Bixa (P)
Soapberry: Sapindus (E)
SOAP PLANTS: Cleansing plants used to produce a lather of saponin. Adenanthera, Argemone,
Aristolochia, Avicennia, Batis, Calopogonium, Carapa, Costus, Dipterys, Entada, Enterolobium,
Gouania, Hampea, Jatropha, Momordica, Pentaclethra, Phytolacca, Sapindus, Simarouba,
Spondias, Urena, Virola, Zea.
Socorrocloso: Crataeva (C)
SOCRATEA DURISSIMA Wendl.: Stilt palm (E); Jira (P); Maquenque (CR). The cabbage
is edible. The spiny stilt roots are used to grate coconut. the outer wood is used to make the resilient
floors of Choco houses; these floors are more like a combination mattress-floor and are softer than
many Darien beds (!).
Soila: Prioria (Cu)
Sokarjo: Jessenia (Ch)
Solacra: Mouriri (P)
SOLANUM ALLOPHYLLUM Standl.: Bleo de galero (C); Hierba de gallinazo (P); Hierba
gallota (P). The leaves are used in salads and meat dishes in Colombia.
SOLANUM DIVERSIFOLIUM Schlecht.: Friega plato (P); Huevo de gato (P); Sunsumba (J). The
young green fruits are eaten with salt. The leaves are used to wash dishes and as a leprosy cure.
SOLANUM JAMAICENSE Mill.: Friega plato (P); Huevo de gato (P). The plant is used as a leprosy
cure.
SOLANUM MAMMOSUM L.: Friega plato (C); Pichichio (CR,CR/ROC); Rejalgar (C); Tapaculo
(C); Tetilla (D). The fruits of this diuretic plant are used by the Choco to poison cockroaches.
Elsewhere, the seeds are employed in cold treatments and leaf decoctions in kidney and bladder
diseases.
SOLANUM MELONGENA L.: Eggplant (E); Berenjena (S) . Sold in Panama markets, the
ripe fruits are cooked; young ones are pickled.
SOLANUM NIGRUM L.: Black nightshade (E); Hierba mora (P); Kaburgia (Cu); Pintamora (P) (Fig.
282). The berries are reputed to be both poisonous and edible (!). The leaves and tender shoots,
boiled like spinach, contain about 5% protein. The juice is regarded as alterative, cathartic, diuretic,
and hydragogic, and is used for bladder and kidney pains and in viruloent gonorrhea and leprosy.
The leaf is chewed to cure ulcers of the mouth and tongue. The plant is also used for baths for
pregnant women. In the Choco, it is used for diseases of the spleen and liver, also to wash wounds.
SOLANUM PARCEBARBATUM Bitter: Hoja hedionda (P); Sauco (P). This species is used as a
remedy for fever and colds. Among the Tupisa Choco, the leaves are used for liver ailments.
SOLANUM QUITOENSE Lam.: Lulo (C,D) . Cultivated by Choco, the fruit is eaten raw,
but may also be mixed with cane juice to make an unfermented chicha.
SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.: Potato (E); Guata (C); Mergikulalu (Cu); Papa (S); Patata (C); Turma
(C). The tubers are edible cooked, but the plant does not grow in the lowlands.
Solera: Cordia (C); Guatteria (C)
Solitario: Muehlenbeckia (C)
Sombrerillo: Hydrocotyle (CR)
Sombrerito: Aristolochia (C); Hydrocotyle (CR)
Sombrerito del diablo: Cephaelis (C)
Sombrero chino: Holmskioldia (CR)
Somnas: Solanum (Cu)
SONCHUM OLERACEUS L.: Sow thistle (E); Cerraja (C); Serraja (C); Serraja lechosa (C); Cerraja
grande (C); Diente de leon lechoso (C). The young shoots serve as a potherb. The roots of some
species are eaten after cooking.
Soncoya: Annona (CR)
Songuo: Bixa (P)
Sonora: Lantana (C)
Sonora roja: Lantana (C)
Sontol: Cymbopogon (CR)
Sonzapote: Licania (CR)
SOPORIFIC: A substance producing sleep. Achras, Allium, Capparis, Erythrina, Gliricidia,
Lucuma, Passiflora, Phytolacca, Piscidia, Turnera.
Soquete: Iryanthera (C)
Sorbetano: Monnina (C)
SORE THROAT: A pain or itch in the throat. Abrus, Adenanthera, Anacardium, Brickellia,
Caesalpinia, Cocos, Pedilanthus, Petiveria, Punica, Rhizophora, Sechium, Spondias, Tamarindus.
SORGHUM BICOLOR Moench.: Kafir corn (E); Maiz millo (C). The seeds are a good grain,
sometimes cultivated in Panama, where the stems are used in making brooms.
Sornia: Biechum (CR); Dicliptera (CR)
Soro: Castilla (CR); Enterolobium (CR); Theobroma (CR)
Sorocontil: Cassia (CR/ROC)
Soroga: Vochysia (C)
Soroncontil: Cassia (N)
Sorosi: Momordica (CR,CR/ROC,J)
Sorrocloco: Crateva (C)
Sortija: Eugenia (P)
Sosita: Carludovica (Cu)
Soskia: Xiphidium (Cu)
Soso: Carludovica (Cu); Sabal (Cu)
Sotacaballo: Ardisia (CR); Guarea (C); Inga (CR); Pithecellobium (CR)
Soterre: Lantana (CR)
Soto: Virola (C)
Sotobosque: Calathea (C)
Souca: Trichilia (P)
Sour grass: Oxalis (E)
Sour orange: Citrus (E)
Soursop: Annona (E)
Sow thistle: Sonchus (E)
Soy: Glycine (E)
Soya: Glycine (C)
Spanish bayonet: Yucca (E)
Spanish cedar: Cedrela (E)
Spanish dagger: Yucca (E)
Spanish elm: Colubrina (E)
Spanish lime: Melicoccus (E)
Spanish moss: Tillandsia (E)
Spanish needles: Bidens (E)
SPATHIPHYLLUM PHRYNIIFOLIUM Schott: Huisnay (CR); Lirio (P). the tender young spikes are
cooked with eggs as a vegetable, and have been eaten raw with no bad effects (!). Leaves and young
shoots contain 6.5% protein.
SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA P.Beauv.: Tulip tree (E); Tulipan (S) . The winged seeds
are said to be more or less edible, yet animals are said to die from a decoction of the core of the
fruit. The flower buds contain a sweet, watery liquid that is considered tonic. The bark is used for
dysentery and ulcers, and as a stomachic. An infusion is used as an enema for backache. A leaf
infusion is used for urethal inflammation.
SPICE: A substance used to add flavor to food, beverage, or tobacco. Allium, Bixa, Calocarpum,
Capparis, Capsicum, Cinnamomum, Citrus, Coriandrum, Curatella, Curcuma, Cymbopogon,
Momordica, Myristica, Myroxylon, Ocimum, Peperomia, Piper, Quararibea, Renealmia,
Selenipedium, Sesamum, Theobroma, Virola, Zingiber.
Spiderlily: Hymenocallis (E)
Spiderwort: Tradescantia (E)
SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA L.: Wormgrass (E); Caricia (C); Guambia (C); Inanusu (Cu); Lombricera
(C); Quiteria (C) . The leaves repel cockroaches and flies. The seeds are poisonous to
cattle and man. The roots are poisonous, but are used in small doses as a vermifuge. Cuna claim to
use the root for executing criminals (!). In light doses, they use them for stomach aches. Choco use
the plant as a purgative (!), and Negroes from the Choco us it as a cure for worms in children.
Spikerush: Eleocharis (E)
SPILANTHES AMERICANA Hieron.: Botoncillo (S); Chisaca (C); Chisaca de cafetal (C);
Yuyo quemado (C); Rizaca (C); Boton de oro (C); Chisaca calentano (C); Botonsillo (C); Santa
Maria (C). The leaves, edible raw or cooked, are used by Tupisa Choco for liver ailments.
SPILANTHES OCYMIFOLIA A.H.Moore: Sirvulaca (D) . The roots are chewed
as a toothache remedy.
Spinach, Ceylon: Basella (E)
Spinach, Chinese: Ipomoea (E)
Spiny cedar: Bombacopsis (E)
Spiritweed: Eryngium (E)
SPONDIAS PURPUREA L. and SPONDIAS MOMBIN L.: Purple mombin (E); Ciruelo (S); Yellow
mombin (E); Canajo (Ch); Jobo (S); Jocote (S); Sua (Cu). S. mombin, known in English as the
yellow mombin or hogplum, and in Panamanian as jobo, is very common in cultivation and in
second growth in Darien and Choco. It is often planted as a shade tree or living fence post. The
purple mombin, known also as Spanish plum in English, and as ciurela and jocote in Panamanian,
is also common in second growth forests. Fruits of both are relilshed by cattle and man alike, but
the yellow mombin is smaller and inferior in taste. The flavor is improved by cooking or fermenting.
Many conquistadores survived on jobos alone for days at a time. The purple mombin is eaten green
or ripe, raw or cooked. A beverage prepared from the fruit lasts a year or more. Green fruits are
pickled in Colombia with vinegar. The acid leaves are edible, and the sour shoots may be eaten raw
or cooked. They contain about 5.5% protein. Some say the seeds are also edible. Flower clusters of
other species have served as a vegetable or salad. Buds are eaten as a vegetable in Trinidad. When
fresh water was unavailable, conquistadores drank water from the roots of S. mombin. Its ashes have
been used in making soap. The trunks are occasionally used for dugouts. The roots are regarded as
febrifugal, and leaf decoctions are used for colds, fevers, and gonorrhea, and to clean wounds. A
decoction of the bark is considered antiseptic.
Spongegourd: Luffa (E)
SPOROBOLUS spp.: Dropseed (E). The seeds serve as a famine food.
Spurge: Euphorbia (E)
Square tree: Pseudobombax (E)
Squash: Cucurbita (E)
STACHYTARPHETA JAMAICENSIS Gardn.: Brazilian tea (E); Porterweed (E,J); Cola de millo (P);
Simbunugit (Cu); Verbena (P) . The plant is used to make a tea and as an adulterant. In
Puerto Rico, it is used to prevent baldness. In Darien, mixed with leaves of Pothomorphe and
Hyptis, it is boiled in water, mixed with alcohol, brought to room temperature, and used as a bath
for children's fever. The plant is believed to be an emmenagogue.
Stacuogro: Adipera (CR)
Star apple: Chrysophyllum (E)
Star gooseberry: Phyllanthus (E)
Star plum: Chrysophyllum (E)
STEIRACTINIA ASPERA Cuatr.: Chilca (C); Clavellinito (C)
STEIRACTINIA OVEDAEOIDES Blake: Flor de Navidad (C)
STEMODIA PARVIFLORA Ait.: Hierba santa (CR). The plant is employed as a toothache remedy
in Costa Rica.
STERCULIA APETALA Karst.: Panama tree (E); Camajonduro (C); Kupu (Cu); Panama (P);
Pinon (C) . The seeds of this honey plant are edible roasted (!). These were a standby with
the conquistadores during hard times in the early days of Panama. They are a favored pig food.
Ground seeds are mixed with water to form a beverage. The hairs inside the fruit are very irritating.
The bark is used in a home remedy for malaria, and the leaves are said to prevent falling hair. A
beverage prepared from the bark is said to be similar to the morure used by the natives around
Iquitos.
STIMULANT: A substance that increases the function of an organ. Aleurites, Alternanthera,
Allilum, Ananas, Annona, Artemisia, Bursera, Caesalpinia, Cardiospermum, Chrysophyllum,
Coffea, Colocasia, Cordia, Dodonaea, Dorstenia, Drimys, Drymaria, Eichhornia, Elephantopus,
Epiphyllum, Eryngium, Hibiscus, Hyptis, Indigofera, Lantana, Lippia, Lepidium, Mammea,
Moringa, Ocimum, Paullinia, Pectis, Pluchea, Punica, Quassia, Sapindus, Sesamum, Simaba,
Tamarindus, Tecoma, Theobroma, Turnera, Xylopia, Zanthoxylum, Zingiber.
Stinking-toe: Cassia (E)
STOMACHIC: A gastric stimulant. Allium, Carica, Cassia, Cordia, Entada, Hymenaea, Indigofera,
Mangifera, Myroxylon, Punica, Spathodea, Symphonia.
Strangler fig: Ficus (E)
Strawberry: Fragaria (E)
Strongback: Desmodium (E)
Strongbark: Desmodium (E)
STRUCHIUM SPARGANOPHORUM Kuntze: Hierba de faja (S). This species is used in soups
in Africa.
STRYCHNOS TOXIFERA Benth.: Urari (S). This species provides an important arrowpoison
ingredient, rarely if ever used in Panama.
STYPTIC: A substance that curbs bleeding : Abrus, Bidens, Colocasia,
Conocarpus, Cyathea, Cyathula, Jatropha, Musa, Typha, Vernonia.
Su: Ficus (Cu)
Suane: Spondias (Cu)
Subicoje: Momordica (C)
Sucuanjoche: Plumeria (N)
Sudangrass: Sorghum (E)
SUDORIFIC: A substance that induces sweating. Aleurites, Aristolochia, Cissampelos, Guazuma,
Mangifera, Pothomorphe.
Suela: Pterocarpus (C)
Suelda con suelda: Pseudelephantopus (C); Tradescanhtia (C); Elephantopus mollis (C)
Suganquinit: Codiaeum (Cu)
Sueldo: Ficus (C)
Sugar apple: Annona (E)
Sugarberry: Celtis (E)
Sugarcane: Saccharum (E)
Sugwinet: Codiaeum (Cu)
Suita: Calyptrogyne (N)
Suiti: Annona (Cu); Psidium (Cu)
Sunflower: Helianthus (E)
Sungro: Phoebe (CR)
SUNSTROKE: A stroke due to excessive exposure to the sun. Treated with Mangifera, Tamarindus.
Sunsumba: Solanum (P)
Sunza: Licania (CA)
Supa: Guilielma (N)
SUPPOSITORY: A solid medication to insert in any cavity other than the mouth. Theobroma.
SUPPURATIVE: A substance supposed to bring infections to a head . Abrus,
Adenanthera, Annona, Argemone, Artocarpus, Bursera, Carica, Cassia, Cochlospermum,
Gossypium, Kallstroemia, Mirabilis, Moringa, Protium, Ricinus, Solanum, Tamarindus.
Sura: Terminalia (CR); Viburnum (CR)
Surcy: Momordica (P)
Sure: Psididum (CR)
Sur espino: Ormosia (B)
Suribio: Pithecellobium (C)
Surinam cherry: Eugenia (E)
Surinam purslane: Talinum (E)
Surix kra: Hymenaea (CR)
Surra: Calycophyllum (CR); Terminaliaa (CR)
Surrumbo: Trema (C)
Surtuba: Geonoma (CR)
Surubre: Astrocaryum (CR)
Suspiro de monte: Hyptis (P)
Susucan: Heliconia (Cu)
Susumba: Solanum (P)
Suu: Ficus (Cu)
Suza: Gynerium (C)
Swamp lily: Thalia (E)
SWATZIA PANAMENSIS Benth.: Carboncillo (CR); Comenegro (CR); Cutamo (D); Guayacan (CR);
Malvecino (P). The durable heartwood is used for the upright beams in Choco houses.
Sweet acacia: Acacia (E)
Sweet basil: Ocimum (E)
Sweet broom: Scoparia (E)
Sweet calabash: Passiflora (E)
SWEETIA PANAMENSIS Benth.: Carboncillo (CR); Cuayacan (CR); Malvecino (P). The strong
durable wood is used locally in construction. The bark is used to treat diabetes and fevers.
Sweet lime: Citrus (E)
Sweet orange: Citrus (E)
Sweet potato: Ipomoea (E)
Sweet wood: Inga (E); Nectandra (B); Ocotea (B); Pithecellobium (E)
SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA King: Mahogany (E); Caoba (S); Saoba de Jurado (C); Cedro carmesi
(C); Cedro cebollo (C); Cedro espinoso (C); Granadillo (C) . The Choco, at its borders
with Darien, is a potential mahogany reserve.
SYMPHONIA GLOBULIFERA L.f.: Barillo (P); Bogum (J); Botoncillo (CR); Cerillo (P); Cero (P);
Paraman (C); Peraman (C); Sambogum (J). the fruit is edible. The latex is used for candles, torches,
and caulking, and in treating ulcers. The bark is stomachic. The lumber is not high quality. Orinoco
Indians use the plant to cure headache.