Basic Information
Common Name: Dacryodes excelsa
Scientific Name: Dacryodes excelsa
Native Habitat: Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Virgin Islands), Lesser Antilles, and northern South America. Found predominantly in humid montane and lower montane forests.
History / Discovery / Cultivator
Dacryodes excelsa, commonly known as Tabonuco in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Candlewood in other parts of its range, or various local names, is a cornerstone species of the tropical forests where it naturally occurs. Its history is deeply intertwined with the ecological dynamics of these humid ecosystems and the human populations that have inhabited them for millennia.
Long before European scientific classification, indigenous peoples, such as the Taíno in the Greater Antilles, recognized and utilized Tabonuco for its valuable timber and, perhaps most notably, its aromatic resin. This resin, often called Tabonuco gum or elemi, exudes naturally from the bark, particularly when the tree is wounded. Indigenous communities traditionally used the resin for various purposes, including incense in spiritual ceremonies, as a sealant, a torch material (hence “Candlewood”), and in traditional medicine for treating wounds, respiratory ailments, and other conditions. This long history of use highlights the plant’s integral role in the cultural and practical lives of forest dwellers.
The formal scientific discovery and classification of Dacryodes excelsa occurred during the era of European botanical exploration in the Americas. As botanists surveyed the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean and northern South America, they documented and cataloged the species. Dacryodes excelsa was first formally described by Vahl, a Danish botanist, in 1807. This classification placed it within the Burseraceae family, which also includes frankincense and myrrh – other genera renowned for their aromatic resins, underscoring a shared chemical characteristic across the family.
Unlike many horticultural plants that have a history of domestication and deliberate cultivation by specific individuals or nurseries, Dacryodes excelsa is primarily a wild forest tree. Its “cultivation” has historically been more about forest management and harvesting than intentional planting for ornamental or small-scale use. Its role in commercial forestry, particularly for its durable timber used in construction and furniture, became significant during the colonial and post-colonial periods in its native range. Sustainable forestry practices now seek to manage stands of Tabonuco to ensure regeneration and long-term availability, rather than widespread clear-felling.
Ecologically, Dacryodes excelsa is often a dominant species in the upper canopy of the forests it inhabits, particularly in areas with good soil moisture and drainage. It is known for forming associations with other specific tree species, creating distinct forest types. The resin also plays a crucial ecological role, helping the tree heal injuries and deterring certain insects and pathogens. Its large size and long lifespan make it a critical component of the forest structure, providing habitat and resources for a wide array of wildlife. While not a plant typically encountered in gardens or homes, its history is one of a vital forest resource, deeply embedded in the natural and cultural heritage of the tropical Americas.
Plant Care Summary
Note: Dacryodes excelsa is a large forest tree, not suitable for typical houseplant cultivation. The care information below describes its needs in its natural environment.
| Category | General Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full Sun (Mature) | Requires bright light to thrive in the forest canopy; seedlings tolerate partial shade. |
| Water | Consistent Moisture | Needs high rainfall and consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil conditions typical of humid tropical forests. |
| Humidity | High | Thrives in the high ambient humidity characteristic of its native rainforest and montane forest habitats. |
| Temp. Range | Tropical Warm | Prefers warm, tropical temperatures year-round; highly sensitive to cold temperatures and frost. |
| Soil Type | Deep, Well-drained | Grows best in deep, acidic, fertile, well-drained soils typical of forest floors, often derived from volcanic or metamorphic rock. |
| Fertilizer | Not Applicable | In natural settings, obtains nutrients from the decomposition of organic matter on the forest floor. |
| Toxicity | Generally Non-toxic | The resin (Tabonuco gum) is used medicinally and is not known to be toxic if ingested in small amounts; skin contact might cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Not known to be toxic to common pets. |
Botanical Insights
Adaptations
Dacryodes excelsa exhibits several key adaptations that contribute to its success as a dominant canopy tree in humid tropical forests. Prominent among these are its buttress roots, large, spreading flanges at the base of the trunk that provide structural support and stability, particularly important in the often shallow or saturated soils of rainforests and against strong winds like those from hurricanes which frequent its native range. Another significant adaptation is the prolific production of aromatic resin (Tabonuco gum). This resin serves multiple functions: it seals wounds in the bark, providing defense against pathogens and insect attack; it may deter herbivores; and its flammability historically made the dried resin useful for ignition. The tree’s ability to grow to impressive heights (up to 100 feet or more) with a large, spreading canopy allows it to compete effectively for sunlight in dense forest environments. Its seeds are adapted for dispersal, often eaten by bats and birds, which carry them away from the parent tree before dropping them, aiding in the colonization of new areas.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Dacryodes excelsa in its natural environment occurs primarily through seed dispersal. Mature trees produce abundant fruits containing seeds, which are then consumed and dispersed by frugivores like bats and birds. These dispersed seeds germinate on the forest floor where conditions are suitable. While it is possible to propagate Dacryodes excelsa from fresh seeds collected from ripe fruit, this is typically done in forestry or research settings rather than common horticultural practice due to the tree’s size and specific environmental needs. Vegetative propagation methods like cuttings or grafting are not commonly used or documented for this species, as seed propagation is generally effective for forest regeneration.
Toxicology
Based on traditional uses and available information, Dacryodes excelsa is not considered a significantly toxic plant to humans or common pets. The most notable part of the plant with human interaction is the resin (Tabonuco gum). This resin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, applied topically to wounds or taken internally in small amounts for respiratory issues, without widespread reports of toxicity. However, as with many plant resins, direct skin contact with the fresh resin may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities. Ingestion of large quantities of any plant material not intended for consumption can potentially cause digestive upset, but specific severe toxicity from consuming parts of Dacryodes excelsa is not documented. There is no known information suggesting toxicity to common household pets like cats or dogs, but ingestion of any unfamiliar plant material by pets should generally be discouraged and could lead to mild gastrointestinal distress.
Common Problems
Pests:
- Wood-boring beetles (e.g., ambrosia beetles) can infest weakened or damaged trees.
- Termites can affect dead wood or compromise the structural integrity of older trees.
- Scale insects or mealybugs might be found, though typically not a major threat to healthy mature trees.
Diseases:
- Root rots, particularly in poorly drained conditions or damaged roots.
- Wood decay fungi can affect older or injured portions of the trunk and branches.
- Various leaf spot fungi might occur, usually not severe on mature trees.
Other:
- Wind damage: Large canopy trees are susceptible to limb breakage or uprooting during hurricanes and severe storms common in their native range.
- Logging impacts: Unsustainable harvesting practices can lead to population decline and habitat disruption.
- Habitat loss: Deforestation for agriculture, development, or other purposes is a primary threat to natural populations.
Rarity & Value
Rarity:
Dacryodes excelsa is not considered a globally rare species and is a common and often dominant tree in the specific forest types where it occurs across the Greater and Lesser Antilles and northern South America. Its populations are generally stable within protected forest areas. However, individual large, old-growth specimens might be less common due to historical logging, and the species’ overall distribution is limited to its specific native humid tropical range. It is not rare in the sense of being difficult for collectors to acquire, as it is not typically cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Value:
The primary value of Dacryodes excelsa is commercial, ecological, and traditional. Its durable, medium-density timber is highly valued in construction, furniture making, and cabinetry. The resin, Tabonuco gum, also holds commercial value, used in traditional medicine, perfumes, varnishes, and as an incense. Ecologically, the tree is invaluable as a major component of its native forest ecosystems, providing essential habitat, regulating water cycles, and contributing to biodiversity. It serves as a food source (fruits/seeds) for wildlife and its presence influences the composition of the understory. Traditionally, the resin has significant cultural value among indigenous and local communities for its medicinal and spiritual uses. The value of a specific tree specimen in its natural setting is usually assessed based on its timber volume, health, and ecological role rather than characteristics relevant to horticultural rarity or collector value.
