Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Myrsine coriacea
Firewood
Lumber
Medicinal
Peru Common Name
Palo agua, Cucharo, Espadero, Mantecoso
Tree Family
Myrsinaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
5.46cm
Length
×
1.98cm
Width
Tree Height
Small (10–20m)
Elevational Range (m)
500–3500m
0 3000
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Peru

Native to

Region
Americas
Latin America
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Natural
Tree Management
Planted from stake, cuttings or seeds. The seeds are dispersed by animals, mainly by birds that feed on the ripe fruits. Best planted as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded nursery. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30-60 days. When seedlings are 4-5 cm tall, plant them in individual containers. Seedlings will be ready for planting outside 5-6 months later. The seed can not be stored more than 3 months. It has an average incidence of pests.

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses
  • Firewood
  • Lumber
  • Medicinal
Used for fence posts. The leaves are used against stings.
Farm Services
  • Coffee Shade
  • Windbreak
  • Soil Improvement
  • Reforestation
Coffee Shade: provides sparse shade
Reforestation: it can be used as a pioneer species in the restoration of native forests
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
It provides fruit for many resident birds such as tanagers, woodpeckers and migratory birds such as thrushes. It retains arthropods in leaves, flowers and bark that are consumed by insectivorous birds. The flowers are visited by bees and other insects. The seeds are dispersed by animals, mainly birds.

Citations

Citations

Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2022-07-08. tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Myrsine+coriacea;

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