Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Hieronyma alchorneoides
Lumber
Medicinal
Product
Peru Common Name
Pilón
Tree Family
Phyllanthaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
14.76cm
Length
×
10.9cm
Width
Tree Height
Medium (20–35m)
Elevational Range (m)
350–2500m
0 3000
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Peru

Native to

Region
Americas
Latin America
Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Not Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Natural
Tree Management
The seeds are dispersed by mammals and birds. For planting by seed, plant fresh seeds in partial shade directly in a nursery or individual containers. Without pregerminative treatment, an average of 61% germination is obtained, which occurs between 20 and 223 days after planting. Trees of this species partially drop their leaves during the dry season. The fruits are abundant but can be difficult to collect because they do not ripen all at the same time and grow high up on the trees. Seeds stored at 20°C remain viable for up to 3 months. Growth in nursery is very fast. Seedlings can reach 25-30 cm in height in a time of 3 months. They require shade during their initial development.

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses
  • Lumber
  • Medicinal
  • Product
The mature trunk is of great value and has high demand due to its versatility, density and durability. It is used for the manufacture of joinery, construction, bridges, floors, supports, poles, barrels, railway sleepers and ships, and wagon bottoms. Tannins are used in the preparation of dyes and in the tanning of leather. In Guyana the cooked bark is used against coughs. The oil extracted from the seeds could have anti-parasitic properties.
Farm Services
  • Soil Improvement
  • Erosion Control
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
The seeds are dispersed by mammals and birds and the fruit is a food source for both. The leaves harbor insects that are consumed by vireos, parulas and greenlets.

Citations

Citations

Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2022-06-22. tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Hieronyma+alchorneoides;

Román, Francisco, et al. Guía para la propagación de 120 especies de árboles nativos de Panamá y el neotrópico. 2012.;

Mendoza, A. L. M., & Guerrero, M. H. (2010). Catálogo de los árboles y afines de la Selva Central del Perú. Arnaldoa, 17, 203-242.