Pseudolmedia Spuria

Griseb.

Bloodwood (E); Cacique (P); Cucua (P); Ojoche (CR) . The bark is used tomake cloth. The fruits are edible. the branches are sometimes cut for oxen forage in Costa Rica. The latex is occasionally used to adulterate chicle. In Western Panama, the bloodwood is esteemed by the Indians, with both medicinal and supernatural properties. A small chip placed over a wound is said to relieve the pain and stop the bleeding. If placed behind the ears and secured by a cord, it is said to stop headaches. Chips or shavings are placed in rum for a malaria treatment.