''Couma macrocarpa'', known by the common names leche caspi, leche huayo, sorva (a name it shares with its smaller relative ''
Couma utilis
''Couma utilis'', called the milk tree, sorvinha, sorveira, sorva (a name it shares with its larger relative '' Couma macrocarpa''), and sorva-pequena, is a species of flowering plant in the subfamily Rauvolfioideae, native to the Orinoco and Ama ...
''), and cow tree, is a species of tropical plant native to tropical, humid
Central
Central is an adjective usually referring to being in the center of some place or (mathematical) object.
Central may also refer to:
Directions and generalised locations
* Central Africa, a region in the centre of Africa continent, also known as ...
and
South America from
Belize to
Bolivia
, image_flag = Bandera de Bolivia (Estado).svg
, flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (red, yellow, and green from top to bottom) with the coat of arms of Bolivia in the center
, flag_alt2 = 7 × 7 square p ...
.
Ideal environmental conditions for ''Couma macrocarpa'' are:
* average annual maximum temperature of 25.1 °C
* average annual minimum temperature of 17.2 °C
* average annual precipitation: 3,419 mm. (max) and 1,020 mm (min).
It is found at variable altitudes from sea level to 1000 metres, in non-flooding areas with good drainage and in soils of good fertility. It adapts well to
ultisols and
oxisols and can tolerate long dry periods.
In the
Peruvian
Amazon it is cultivated for its latex. It is grown in
Loreto,
San Martín
San Martín or San Martin may refer to:
People Saints
* Saint Martin (disambiguation)#People, name of various saints in Spanish
Political leaders
*Vicente San Martin (1839 -1901), Military, National hero of Mexico.
*Basilio San Martin (1849 ...
,
Ucayali,
Madre de Dios,
Huánuco, and
Pasco. The sticky white
latex is eaten for treating diarrhea and skin ailments. It is used for patching, sealing and to waterproof canoes. The latex has been harvested for use in plastics and rubber. The fruits are chewy, milky, and sweet-tasting and attract monkeys.
References
External links
USDA Forest Service Info Sheet: Couma Macrocarpa
{{Taxonbar, from=Q5176193
macrocarpa
Flora of Central America
Flora of South America
Plants described in 1891