A Complete Inventory of Herbs, Roots, Plants and Seeds used in the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora

Urban Shaman

The Complete Inventory of Ritual Plants and Herbs of Cuba and America

By Jinn El-Masri

  1. Introduction

Modern practitioners of the Lukumi tradition which have branched out from Cuba to other parts of the world are children of a larger tree. In Nigeria, where its roots are born, the accessibility to medicinal and magical plants and herbs was far readily available and consistent with Yoruba practices. Due to the transatlantic slave trade, a new catalog of flora and fauna was made accessible. Certain plants were no longer available like the obi kola (cola acuminata or cola nitida) whose four lobes were used in divination. This was no major problem to the slaves who had migrated to the Caribbean who exchanged obi abata divination with four pieces of coconut (agbon). Now with the availability of transportation and commerce we find that the kola nut are in fact available within the states yet coconut is still used by practitioners. This development is an example of the evolution of the use of plants and fruits that assisted practitoners in their practice. Why the need to maintain this adaption is a rather interesting question to pose.

As culture and traditions evolve so do people but it is necessary to have a greater understanding of the knowledge our ancestors carried.

Osain the spirit of the forest was transported into a new land where practitioners sought out new uses of plants which were now available to them. Due to the humid and fertile ground that Cuba contained many plants were at their disposal.. As deforestation continues to take place on this planet and with the advent of global warming becoming increasingly daunting, it is now significantly important for practitioners to be sensitive to their consumption of plants for as our ancestors adapted to continue their traditions it is the responsibility of those who live in our modern world to prevent the extinction of the sacred plants and herbs which are striving to exist.

Walking around the neighborhood we can see plants that are eagerly try to reach the sun and with much effort grow through the cracks of our cement sidewalks. They are unfortunately passed off as simple weeds and are poisoned, shredded with lawn mowers and yanked from the place which is actually their own. It can be argued that mankind is insensitive in the way it chooses to grid itself over the land but if we no longer care about the possible inherent powers found in the plants of the earth then we are setting ourselves up for the loss of own spiritual integrity. Bledo blanco is a perfect example of one plant which is slowly disappearing. It usually grows on sidewalks and near light posts and because it is considered a weed it is yanked, poisoned, cut, trimmed and shred away. However, bledo blanco is in fact a wonderful plant with many uses, sacred to the orisha Obatala.

The purpose of this project is to share the medicinal and ritualistic uses of plants that are available in the Caribbean and the new world, to sustain the secrets of our ancestors and to prevent the overuse of one specific species of plant due to lack of a broadening of horizons on part of practitioners who at times are use to using only specific plants and herbs that they can readily recognize but not those which perhaps can serve much more efficiently with less consumption. We see this a lot with sage and palo santo. There are so many other options and the expansion of our understanding can contribute to an ecologically diverse world where nature remains sacred in its entirety and not only with specific plants.

Plants as I was taught should never be picked after the sun sets for the spirit of the earth is sleeping at this time. It is a delicate time for the spirit of the earth as it is regenerating for the following day’s exhalation of fresh oxygen into the earth’s atmosphere. The only exception to this rule is a flower which from my understanding is because they are already open and the spirit of the earth is still vibrant and active in the pistil and stem. Always gather roots BEFORE the plant has bloomed. Do not consume more then what you need. Do not pick plants while it is raining since this is the time the serpent god of ecology Ochumare is preparing to drink from the earth before transforming into a rainbow ensuring the strengthening of the spirit of the earth. Never pick plants that are in an area which have been sprayed with chemicals as this can make plants which would normally be consumable into a poisonous plant. Sweet and aromatic plants should always be picked right after sunrise and bitter plants should be picked right before sundown. Be sensitive to how your overconsumption can play a role in the loss of tradition for future generations and above all give back to the earth by planting and sprouting whatever you can. Last but not least ALWAYS make an offering at the foot of the plant or tree and give thanks for taking from it.

  • Hegemony of the plant world

Osain was abandoned at birth as legend has it. Orunmila the god of divination found him and took him in. Since he was missing one leg, one arm and one eye he could not do very much around the ile (home) so Orunmila decided he had found the perfect task for Osain and placed him out in the garden to pull the weeds. Orunmila left Osain in the garden and went out into the world to prepare for his usual days of cleanings, magic and divination and when he returned Osain had not moved a single inch and to make matters worse not a single weed had been pulled. Orunmila was so angry he threatened to beat Osain. Osain yelled “Please do not beat me.” Orunmila looked down at the deformed Osain and in a thunderous voice boomed “Why should I not beat you Osain? You have not pulled a single weed which was making my garden look terrible.” Osain looked up at Orunmila and said “ I do not understand why you would want me to pull so many wonderful plants for this plant…” he said…”Is for swelling and this one is for malaria…this one is for fevers” and so on and so on Osain continued. It was at this moment that Orunmila realized the special gift that Osain had to recognize the power of the plants and forgave him. In time Osain was able to recognize the power of animals and minerals and all their inherent Ashe or power. Osain eventually taught the uses of plants, herbs, animals and minerals to the Yoruba people and the rest of the Orishas.

  • Magical Vs. Medicinal

One of the fascinating aspects of afro-Cuban botany and ritualism is the ability to distinguish plants which are used specifically for magic and those which serve only medicinal purposes. However, you will find that plants which are medicinal tend to be also used in ritual and that there are those which are used in ritual but NOT used as medicine. That is because of the poisonous nature of some plants. It is obviously not intelligent to consume anything which is poisonous; therefore, the use is strictly ritual in nature. A perfect example of this is the plant iwereyeye also known in the states as the rosary bead plant. This is used according to Odu Ifa Odi Obarra to control a frantic state of indecision. The seeds from the plant are typically strung in to a necklace and word by the person who suffers from indecision so that the malady can be alleviated. This is attributed to the seeds colors which are half red and half black. “The peony doesn’t know if it wants to remain red or black” says the odu. Odi Obarra tells the tale of the rosary plant which is a vine and how half of the vine would yell “We are red!” while the other half would cry out “We are black”. This went back and forth for days on end until the frantic noise became so unbearable to the heavens that Olodumare or god almighty sent Shango the orisha of fire and lightning to investigate what was happening. When he reached the earth he heard the whining of the peony plant and scooped the seeds in his large hands letting out a thunderous noise saying “STOP!!! You are neither red nor black” and put them inside a gourd. “You are now in darkness” The peony seeds however made a new sound as this is the story of how the maraca was born and why it is used to salute Shango and Eleggua. This story teaches one to make up his or her mind so that it is not made up for you and so no one encapsulates or transforms you into something that you are not. The wearer of the peony necklace is said to dispel the negativity associated with indecision and thus spared of the same fate as the peony seeds.

We will now begin to look at every single plant herb and root used in the diaspora.

Acanthaceae

Blechum brownei Juss.

mazorquilla (bejuco mazorquilla)

H

R,M

Acanthaceae

Jacobinia mohintli Benth. & Hook.f.

árnica (+ derivative: tintura de arnica)

H

M,O

Acanthaceae

Justicia pectoralis Jacq.

tilo

H

M

Acanthaceae

Ruellia tuberosa L.

salta perico

H

R,M

Acanthaceae

Graptophyllum pictum Griff.

justicia (croton 2)

S,H

R,O

Agavaceae

Agave sp.

maguey

H

R,D,F

Agavaceae

Yucca elephantipes Hort. ex Regel

bayoneta (peregún)

H

R,O

Aizoaceae

Sesuvium microphylium Willd.

verdolaga de costa (yerba de vidrio)

H

R

Aizoaceae

Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L.

verdolaga de costa (yerba de vidrio)

H

R

Alliaceae

Allium sativum L.

ajo

H

R,M,C

Aloaceae

Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.

sábila

H

R,M,O

Amaranthaceae

Achyranthes aspera L.

rabo de gato

H

R,M

Amaranthaceae

Alternanthera polygonoides R.Br. ex Sweet

tapon (sanguinaria)

H

R,M

Amaranthaceae

Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC.

espanta muerto 1 (abrojo)

H

R

Amaranthaceae

Amaranthus sp.

bledo colorado

H

R

Amaranthaceae

Amaranthus spinosus L.

bledo espinoso

H

R

Amaranthaceae

Amaranthus viridis L.

bledo blanco (bledo)

H

R,M,C

Ampelidaceae

Vitis vinifera L.

bejuco parra (parra)

S

R,M,S,C

Anacardiaceae

Anacardium occidentale L.

marañón

Se,S,F

R,M,C,LF

Anacardiaceae

Comocladia dentata Jacq.

guao (palo diablo, vete lejos 1, huyehuye)

S

R

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera indica L.

mango

S,H,F

R,M,C

Anacardiaceae

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi

copal

H,S

M

Anacardiaceae

Spondias mombin L.

jobo

S,Se,H,R

R,M,LF

Anacardiaceae

Spondias purpurea L.

ciruela

F,H

R,M,C,LF

Annonaceae

Annona cherimolia Mill.

chirimoya

H,F,Se

R,M,C

Annonaceae

Annona glabra L.

palo bobo (palo bobo de Cuba, bagá, palo blanco)

S

R

Annonaceae

Annona muricata L.

guanabana

H,F

R,M,C

Annonaceae

Annona squamosa L.

anón (anón de ojo)

F,H

M,R,C

Annonaceae

Xylopia aethiopica A.Rich.

pimienta (eru)

F,Se

R

Annonaceae

Xylopia glabra L.

guabico

S

R

Annonaceae

Oxandra lanceolata Baill.

yaya

S

R

Apiaceae

Eryngium foetidum L.

culantro

H

M,Sp

Apiaceae

Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

hinojo

H

R,M

Apiaceae

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman

perejil

H,R

R,M,Sp,Ca

Apocynaceae

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don

vicaria

Fl

M,O,T

Apocynaceae

Nerium oleander L.

adelfa

H

R,M,O,T

Apocynaceae

Tabernaemontana amblyocarpa Urb.

huevo de gallo

S,R,H

R,M,U

Apocynaceae

Thevetia peruviana K.Schum.

cabalonga (cinturita)

Se

R,M,A,O,T

Araceae

Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott

malanga

H

R,M,C

Araliaceae

Polyscias sp.

negro guapo

S

R,O

Arecaceae

Acrocomia crispa C.F.Baker ex Becc.

corojo (+ derivative: manteca de corojo)

Se,F

R,M,C,Ol

Arecaceae

Cocos nucifera L.

coco (+ derivative: manteca de coco)

F,R

R,M,A,C,Ol

Arecaceae

Copernicia baileyana León

yarey

H

R,F,A

Arecaceae

Copernicia curbeloi León *

yarey *

H

R,F,A

Arecaceae

Copernicia fallaensis León *

yarey *

H

R,F,A

Arecaceae

Copernicia textilis León *

yarey *

H

R,F,A

Arecaceae

Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

palma de aceite (ikinis, corojo de Güinea)

Se

R,M,Ol,A

Arecaceae

Roystonea regia O.F. Cook

palma real

S,R,RA

R,M,Ol,A,Ca,Ti,Ro

Asteraceae

Ambrosia hispida Pursh.

artemisa

H

R,M

Asteraceae

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

artemisa

H

R,M

Asteraceae

Ambrosia peruviana Willd.

artemisa alcanforada (artemisilla alcanforada)

H

R

Asteraceae

Artemisia absinthium L.

incienso (+ derivative: tintura de incienso)

H

R,M,T

Asteraceae

Bidens pilosa L.

romerillo

H

R,M,Ca

Asteraceae

Eclipta alba Hassk.

espanta muerto 2

H

R

Asteraceae

Eclipta prostrata L.

espanta muerto 2

H

R

Asteraceae

Eupatorium odoratum L.

rompezaragüey (+derivative: spiritual perfume)

S,H,R

R,M

Asteraceae

Eupatorium villosum Sw.

abre camino (+derivative: spiritual perfume)

S,H

R

Asteraceae

Flaveria trinervia (Spreng.) C.Mohr

yerba de la vieja

H

R,M

Asteraceae

Helenium quadridentatum Labill.

anís

H

M,R

Asteraceae

Helianthus annuus L.

girasol

Fl,Se

R,C,Ol,O

Asteraceae

Matricaria recutita L.

manzanilla alemana (manzanilla)

H

M

Asteraceae

Parthenium hysterophorus L.

escoba amarga

H,R

R,M

Asteraceae

Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass.

salvia (salvia de playa)

H,S

R,M

Asteraceae

Sonchus oleraceus L.

cerraja

H

R,M,C

Asteraceae

Wedelia rugosa Greenm. var. tenuis Greenm.

romerillo amarillo

H

R,M

Asteraceae

Vernonia havanensis DC.

rompezaragüey macho (tapa camino, madrina)

S

R

Asteraceae

Xanthium chinense Mill.

guizazo de caballos

R

R,M

Bignoniaceae

Crescentia cujete L.

güira (güira cimarrona, güira criolla + derivative: jarabe de güira)

F,H,S

R,M,A,MI

Bignoniaceae

Tabebuia angustata Britton

roble (roble de yugo, roble blanco)

S,H

R,Ti

Bignoniaceae

Tabebuia lepidophylla Greenm.

roble sabanero (rompe ropa)

S

R

Bignoniaceae

Tabebuia lepidota Britton

roble sabanero (rompe ropa)

S

R

Bignoniaceae

Tecoma stans Griseb.

saúco amarillo

H

R,M,O

Bixaceae

Bixa orellana L.

bija (achiote)

Se

R,M,Sp

Bombacaceae

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.

ceiba (iroko)

S,R,H

R,M,Sy

Boraginaceae

Ehretia tinifolia L.

caguairán (quiebra hacha, roble prieto)

S

R,M,Ti

Boraginaceae

Cordia alba (Jacq.) Roem. & Schult.

ateje blanco (uva gomosa, uvita)

S,H

R,G

Boraginaceae

Cordia collococca L.

ateje

S

R,Ca

Boraginaceae

Cordia gerascanthus L.

varía

S,H,R

R,M,Ti

Boraginaceae

Cordia globosa Kunth

yerba de la sangre (palo negrito)

H,S

R,M

Boraginaceae

Heliotropium indicum L.

alacrancillo

H,S

R,M

Boraginaceae

Tournefortia hirsutissima L.

cayaya (cayaya hembra, nigua, mangasaya)

S

R,M

Brassicaceae

Lepidium virginicum L.

mastuerzo (sabelección)

H,R,S

R,M

Brassicaceae

Nasturtium officinale R.Br.

berro

H

R,M,C

Bromeliaceae

Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.

piña

F

R,M,C,B

Bromeliaceae

Bromelia pinguin L.

piña de ratón (maya)

F,H

R,M,LF

Bromeliaceae

Tillandsia sp. (big varieties)

curujey

H,R

R,M,O

Bromeliaceae

Tillandsia usneoides L.

guajaca

H

R,M,O

Burseraceae

Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch.

sasafrás (ponte lejos)

S,H

R,M,LF

Burseraceae

Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg.

almácigo

S,H,C

R,M,Ti,O

Cactaceae

Harrisia eriophora (Pfeiff.) Britton

pitaya 1 (fruto amarillo)

F

R,C,O

Cactaceae

Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose

pitaya 2 (fruto rojo)

F

R,M,Sp,O

Cactaceae

Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck

tuna mansa (tuna blanca)

T

R,M,O,C,LF

Cactaceae

Opuntia dillenii Haw.

tuna brava

T

R,M,O,LF

Caesalpinaceae

Bauhinia cumanensis Kunth

bejuco de tortuga (bejuco jicotea, palo cachimba, matrimonio)

S

R

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia bahamensis Lam.

palo Brasil (brasil, brasilete)

S,H

M,Cl

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.

guacalote amarillo

Se

R,A

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia crista L.

guacalote gris (quita maldición 1)

Se,H,S

R,A

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.

guacamaya (framboyan enano, framboyan de jardin)

H

R,O,T

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia vesicaria L.

palo negro (palo de campeche)

S

R

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia ligustrina L.

sen (sen del país)

H

R,M

Caesalpiniaceae Delonix regia (Bojer) Raf.

framboyán

H,S,F,Se,Fl R,S,O,A,MI

Caesalpiniaceae Poeppigia procera C.Presl

tengue

S

R

Caesalpiniaceae Senna alata (L.) Roxb.

guacamaya francesa (palo santo)

H,S

R,M,O

Caesalpiniaceae Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby

guanina (yerba hedionda)

H,R,S

R,M

Caesalpiniaceae Tamarindus indica L.

tamarindo

R,S,F,H,C

R,M,C,B,A

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia emarginata L.

palo hediondo

S

R

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia fistula L.

cañafistola

F,H

M,A,O

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia grandis L.

cañandonga

F

M,R,A

Canellaceae

Canella winterana Gaertn.

palo malambo (malambo, canela de monte, cúrbana, mata/palo brujo, mayimbe)

S,H,R

R,M

Canellaceae

Cinnamodendron cubense Urb.

canela

S

R,M,Sp

Caprifoliaceae

Sambucus canadensis L.

saúco blanco

H

R,M

Caricaceae

Carica papaya L.

fruta bomba

H,F

R,M,C

Casuarinaceae

Casuarina equisetifolia L.

casuarina (also sold as pine)

S,H,R

R,M,S,W

Cecropiaceae

Cecropia schreberiana Miq.

yagruma (salpafuera)

H,S

R,M

Celastraceae

Cuervea integrifolia (A.Rich.) A.C.Sm.

amansaguapo

S,H

R

Celastraceae

Elaeodendron attenuatum A.Rich.

sangre de doncella

S

R,Ti

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium ambrosioides L.

apasote

H

M,R,T

Clusiaceae

Calophyllum antillanum Britton

ocuje

S,H

R,O,A,Ti

Clusiaceae

Clusia rosea Jacq.

copey

S

R,O,S

Clusiaceae

Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Borhidi *

manajú (jalajala) * (+derivative: decoction of leaves and tincture of resin)

S,H

R,M

Clusiaceae

Mammea americana L.

mamey de Santo Domingo

Se

R,M,C

Combretaceae

Bucida buceras L.

júcaro

S

R,M,A

Combretaceae

Bucida spinosa (Northr.) Jenn.

júcaro negro

S

R,M,A

Combretaceae

Conocarpus erectus L.

yana

S

R

Combretaceae

Laguncularia racemosa C.F.Gaertn.

patabán (mangle bobo)

H

R

Combretaceae

Quisqualis indica L.

espuela de gallo (piscuala)

S

R,M,C,O,Ty

Combretaceae

Terminalia catappa L.

almendra (almendro de la India + derivative: aceite de almendra)

H,Se,S,F

R,M,S,O

Commelinaceae

Commelina elegans Kunth

canutillo (canutillo morado, canutillo azul, canutillo blanco)

H

R,M

Commelinaceae

Rhoeo spathacea (Sw.) Stearn

cordobán

H

R,M,O

Commelinaceae

Zebrina pendula Schnizl.

cucaracha

H

R,M,O

Connaraceae

Rourea glabra Kunth

mata negro (bejuco Baracoa)

S

R

Convolvulaceae

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.

boniato

H,F

R,M,C

Convolvulaceae

Ipomoea crassicaulis B.L.Rob.

campana gallega (aguinaldo morada, vete de aqui, campanola)

H

R

Convolvulaceae

Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R.Br.

boniato de playa

H

R

Convolvulaceae

Merremia discoidesperma (Donn.Sm.) O’Donell

tomate de mar (almorrana)

Se

R

Convolvulaceae

Merremia tuberosa Rendle

bejuco indio (indio trepador)

S

R,M,B,D

Convolvulaceae

Rivea corymbosa (L.) Hallier f.

aguinaldo blanco

H

R,M

Costaceae

Costus speciosus Sm.

caña mexicana (mejicana)

S,H

R,M,O

Crassulaceae

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz

siempre viva (progiosa, flor de aire)

H

R,M

Cucurbitaceae

Cucurbita maxima Lam.

calabaza

F,Se,Fl

R,M,C

Cucurbitaceae

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.

güiro (güiro amargo)

F

R,A,MI

Cucurbitaceae

Luffa cylindrica M.Roem.

estropajo (friega plato)

F

R,M,U

Cucurbitaceae

Melothria guadalupensis Cogn.

meloncillo (pepino cimarrón)

H,F

R

Cucurbitaceae

Momordica charantia L.

cundeamor

H

R,M,T,Ca

Cupressaceae

Cupressus sp.

cipres

S,H

R,O

Cupressaceae

Juniperus barbadensis var. Lucayana (Britton) R.P.Adams

sabina (sabina de costa)

S

R,O,Ti

Cyperaceae

Cyperus alternifolius L.

sacu sacu (paragüita, quitasol chino, palo saco)

S,R,H

R,M,O

Dilleniaceae

Davilla rugosa Poir.

bejuco guara (bejuco guárana, bejuco colorado)

S

R

Dioscoreaceae

Dioscorea alata L.

ñame (ñame blanco)

R

R,C

Dioscoreaceae

Dioscorea pilosiuscula Bert.

ñame volador (palo volador)

F,S

R

Dracaenaceae

Sansevieria cfr. S. guineensis Willd.

lengua de vaca 1

H

R,O

Ebenaceae

Diospyros crassinervis (Krug & Urb.) Standl.

ebano carbonero (asabache, negrito)

S,H

R,A

Ebenaceae

Diospyros grisebachii (Hiern) Standl.

ebano real

S

R

Erythroxylaceae

Erythroxylum havanense Jacq.

jibá (rompe roca 1)

S,R,H,C

R,M

Euphorbiaceae

Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (Lodd.) Muell. Arg.

croton (negro bueno)

H,S

R,O

Euphorbiaceae

Croton glandulosus L.

anís cimarrón

H

R,M

Euphorbiaceae

Drypetes alba Poit.

palo hueso (hueso)

S

R

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia heterophylla L.

yerba lechosa

H

R

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia hirta L.

yerba lechera rastrera (yerba de la niña)

H

R,M

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia lactea Haw.

cardón

H

R,M,LF

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia milii Desmoul. ex Boiss.

corona de Cristo

H,Fl

R,O

22

Euphorbiaceae

Hippomane mancinella L.

manzanillo de costa (manzanillo de monte)

H

M,T

Euphorbiaceae

Hura crepitans L.

salvadera (+derivative: spiritual perfume)

H,S,F

R,M,A

Euphorbiaceae

Jatropha aethiopica Müll.Arg.

chaya (mata diabetes)

H

M

Euphorbiaceae

Jatropha curcas L.

piñón botija

H,S

R,LF

Euphorbiaceae

Jatropha gossypiifolia L.

tua túa

R,H,S,F

R,M

Euphorbiaceae

Jatropha multifida L.

nuez vómica cubana (piñón vómico)

H

R,O

Euphorbiaceae

Manihot esculenta Crantz

yuca

R

R,M,C

Euphorbiaceae

Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit.

ítamo real

H,S

R,M,O,T

Euphorbiaceae

Pera bumelifolia Griseb.

jiquí

S

R,A

Euphorbiaceae

Phyllanthus nobilis Müll.Arg.

sangre de doncella

S

R,Ti

Euphorbiaceae

Ricinus communis L.

higuereta (blanca y morada)

Se,H,R

R,M,A,Ol,O

Fabaceae

Abrus precatorius L.

peonía

Se,H,R

R,A

Fabaceae

Aeschynomene americana L.

pega pega (pega pollo)

H,S

R,M

Fabaceae

Andira cubensis Benth.

yaba (tapa vista, palo tapa vista)

S,H

R

Fabaceae

Arachis hypogaea L.

maní

Se

R,M,C,Ol

Fabaceae

Brya ebenus DC.

granadillo

S

R,A

Fabaceae

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

gandul

H,R

R,M,C

Fabaceae

Canavalia nitida Piper

mate rojo (mate colorado, cayajabo)

Se

R,M,A,MI

Fabaceae

Canavalia sp.

cayajabo

Se

R,M,A

Fabaceae

Centrosema virginianum (L.) Benth.

crica de negra

H,Fl

R

Fabaceae

Dalbergia brownei Schinz

bejuco péndola (péndola, pereira)

H,S

R

Fabaceae

Dalea domingensis DC.

ruda cimarrona

H

R,M

Fabaceae

Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC.

amor seco

H

R,M

Fabaceae

Erythrina berteroana Urb.

piñon de pito (piñon de cerca)

H

R,LF,Ty

Fabaceae

Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.

piñón florido (piñón amoroso, bien vestido, amor y celo, palo caminante)

S,H

R,LF,W,S

Fabaceae

Lonchocarpus domingensis DC.

guamá

S,R,H

R,M

Fabaceae

Mucuna pruriens DC.

pica-pica

F

R,T

Fabaceae

Mucuna urens (L.) DC.

ojo de buey

Se

R,A

Fabaceae

Pterocarpus osun Craib

osun

S

R

Fabaceae

Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng

tripa de jutia

S

R

Fabaceae

Indigofera suffruticosa Mill.

añil (+ derivative: tintura de añil)

R,H

R,M

Flacourtiaceae

Casearia alba A.Rich.

jía blanca

S

R

Flacourtiaceae

Casearia hirsuta Sw.

jía (jía brava/amarilla/colorado, raspalengua, trabalengua, pensamiento)

S

R

Flacourtiaceae

Zuelania guidonia (Sw.) Britton & Millsp.

guaguasí

S,H

R,M

Geraniaceae

Pelargonium graveolens L’Her.

geranio de olor (geranio)

S,H

R,M,O

Goetzeaceae

Espadaea amoena A.Rich.

rascabarriga (dominador)

S,H

R

Heliconiaceae

Heliconia caribaea Lam.

espada de Santa Barbara

Fl

R,O

Iridaceae

Neomarica caerulea (Ker Gawl.) Sprague

mano poderosa (mandelamina, mano pilon)

H

R,M,O

Lamiaceae

Hyptis pectinata Poit.

sargazo (sandoval, albahaca gigante)

H

R

Lamiaceae

Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit.

sargazo (sandoval, albahaca gigante)

H

R

Lamiaceae

Mentha arvensis L.

menta japonesa

H

R,M

Lamiaceae

Mentha spicata L.

yerba buena

H

R,M,B,Sp

Lamiaceae

Mentha x piperita L.

torongil de menta

H

R,M

Lamiaceae

Ocimum basilicum L.

albahaca (albahaca blanca)

H

R,M,Sp

Lamiaceae

Ocimum anisatum Hort. ex Benth.

albahaca anisada

H

R,M,Sp

Lamiaceae

Ocimum gratissimum L.

albahaca de clavo (oregano oriental, palo clavo)

H

R,M,Sp

Lamiaceae

Ocimum sanctum L.

albahaca morada

H

R,M

Lamiaceae

Origanum majorana L.

mejorana

H

R,M

Lamiaceae

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng.

oregano francés (oregano guatacón)

H

M,Sp

Lamiaceae

Rosmarinus officinalis L.

romero (+ derivative: tintura de romero)

H,S

R,M,Sp

Lamiaceae

Teucrium cubense L.

agrimonia

H

M,R

Lamiaceae

Thymus vulgaris L.

tomillo

H

R,M,Sp

Lamiaceae

Vitex doniana Sweet

vence batalla (ofón)

S,H

R,O

Lamiaceae

Vitex multidens Urb.

chicharrón (from Santiago de Cuba)

S

R

Lamiaceae

Vitex trifolia L.

vencedor (palo vencedor)

S,H

R,O

Lamiaceae Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.

té de riñón

H

M

Lauraceae

Nectandra coriacea Griseb.

sigua (palo monte)

S

R

Lauraceae

Ocotea cuneata (Griseb.) M.Gómez

canelón

S

R,M

Lauraceae

Persea americana Mill.

aguacate

S,H,F

R,M,C

Loranthaceae

Dendrophthora sp.

palo caballero (caballero)

S

R

Lythraceae

Lagerstroemia indica L.

astronomía (júpiter)

S,H

R,O

Lythraceae

Lawsonia inermis L.

resedá

H

R,M

Malpighiaceae

Byrsonima crassifolia Steud.

peralejo (cambia/pierde rumbo, peralejos de monte, vete lejos 2, ponte lejos)

S

R

Malpighiaceae

Byrsonima roigii Urb.

peralejo de costa

H,S

R

Malpighiaceae

Byrsonima spicata A.Rich. ex A.Juss.

sangre de doncella

S

R,Ti

Malpighiaceae

Malpighia martinicensis Jacq.

palo bronco (bronco)

S

R

Malpighiaceae

Stigmaphyllon sagraeanum A.Juss.

bejuco San Pedro (bejuco sabanero, sarabanda)

S

R

Malvaceae

Abelmoschus esculentus Moench

quimbombo

F

R,C

Malvaceae

Abutilon sp.

botón de oro

H,S,Se

R,M,O

Malvaceae

Bastardia viscosa (L.) Kunth

yerba de aura (yerba de bruja, escoba de bruja)

H

R

Malvaceae

Gossypium barbadense L.

algodón

S,H,Se

R,M,I

Malvaceae

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

mar pacífico

H,Fl,S

R,M,O,C

Malvaceae

Malvaviscus arboreus Cav.

pasiflora (malvavisco)

H,Fl

M,O

Malvaceae

Malvaviscus sagraeanus A.Rich.

pasiflora (malvavisco)

H,Fl

M,O

Malvaceae

Sida rhombifolia L.

malva de cochino

H

R

Malvaceae

Talipariti elatum (Sw.) Fryxell

majagua

S,H,F,Fl,C R,M,Ti,O

Meliaceae

Azadirachta indica A.Juss.

neem (nin)

H,F

R,M,BC

Meliaceae

Cedrela odorata L.

cedro

S,H,C

R,M,Ti,A

Meliaceae

Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer

yamagua (yamao)

S,H

R,M

Meliaceae

Melia azedarach L.

paraíso

H,Se,S,F

R,M,BC

Meliaceae

Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq.

caoba

S

R,Ti,S

Meliaceae

Trichilia havanensis Jacq.

siguaraya (tumba tumba)

S,H,R,C

R,M

24

Meliaceae

Trichilia hirta L.

cabo de hacha (guabán)

S,H

R,M,Ti

Memecylaceae

Mouriri valenzuelana A.Rich.

torcido (palo torcido, matrimonio)

S

R

Mimosaceae

Acacia cornigera (L.) Willd.

arbol del cuerno

S

R

Mimosaceae

Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd.

aroma amarilla (vira mundo 2)

S,H

R,M

Mimosaceae

Acacia paniculata Willd.

tocino

S

R

Mimosaceae

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn.

marabú (arrasa con todo, barre con todo, viramundo, aroma, busca lio)

S,H

R,W

Mimosaceae

Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb.

oreja de Judío

S

R,S,A

Mimosaceae

Leucaena glauca (Willd.) Benth.

aroma blanca

H,S

R,Ca

Mimosaceae

Lysiloma latisiliqua Benth.

sabicú

S,H

R,M,Ti

Mimosaceae

Mimosa pudica L.

dormidera

H,S

R,M

Mimosaceae

Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.

tamarindo chino (quita maldición 2, inga dulce, inga habana)

H

R,O,S

Mimosaceae

Pithecellobium hyptrii Benth. & Hook. f.

palo biajaca

S

R

Mimosaceae

Pithecellobium arboreum (L.) Urb.

moruro (moruro rojo)

S,Se,H

R,M,O

Mimosaceae

Pithecellobium tortum Mart.

cocuyo (humo, humo de sabana, palo cenizo, azulejo)

S

R

Mimosaceae

Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.

algarrobo (arbol del silencio, armonía, firmeza, atractivo)

S,H,R

R,S,Ti

Mimosaceae

Entada scandens (L.) Benth.

boja (poja, coracon de Changó)

Se

R,A

Mimosaceae

Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

algarrobo de olor (músico, algarobillo, guitana, firmeza, atractivo, tengue)

S,H

R,O

Moraceae

Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg

arbol del pan

F

R,M,C

Moraceae

Chlorophora tinctoria (L.) Gaudich. ex Benth. & Hook.f.

fustete

S

R,M

Moraceae

Ficus carica L.

higo

H

R,C

Moraceae

Ficus crassinervia Desf.

jagüey macho (yo puedo más que tú, abracamundo, rompe roca 2)

S,H,R

R,O

Moraceae

Ficus microcarpa L.

laurel (laurel de la india, jagüey)

S,H

R,S,O

Moraceae

Ficus pumila L.

yedra (jaguey trepador, hiedra)

H

R,M,O

Moraceae

Ficus religiosa L.

álamo

S,H

R,M,O

Moraceae

Pseudolmedia spuria Griseb.

macagua

S

R

Moraceae

Trophis racemosa (L.) Urb.

palo Ramón (ramón de bestia, ramón de caballos)

S

R

Moringaceae

Moringa oleifera Lam.

palo jeringa (palo geringa, paraiso francés, tilo, ben, palo nefritico)

S,H,Fl

R,M,O

Musaceae

Musa sapientum L.

platano indio

F

R,M,C

Musaceae

Musa sp. cfr.M. x paradisiaca L.

platano (manzano)

F

R,M,C

Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus sp.

eucalyptus

H,S

M,Ti,W

Myrtaceae

Eugenia aeruginea DC.

comecará (mije)

H

R,C

Myrtaceae

Eugenia axillaris Willd.

guairaje (tate quieto, estate quieto)

S,H

R

Myrtaceae

Eugenia floribunda Spreng. ex DC.

mije

S

R

Myrtaceae

Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr.

pimienta dulce (pimienta de Jamaica)

Se,H

R,M,B,Sp

Myrtaceae

Psidium guajava L.

guayaba

S,H,F

R,M,C,Ca

Myrtaceae

Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston

pomarrosa (desvarate)

S

R,C

Nyctaginaceae

Boerhavia erecta L.

tostón (atipolá)

H

R

Nyctaginaceae

Boldoa purpurascens Cav.

nitro

H

M

Nyctaginaceae

Mirabilis jalapa L.

maravilla (pimienta india)

H,Se,R

R,M,O

Nyctaginaceae

Pisonia aculeata L.

zarza (sal si puedes)

S,H

R

Oleaceae

Jasminum sambac Hortus Kew. (W. Aiton)

diamela (jazmin diamela)

H,Fl

R,O

Oleaceae

Jasminum azoricum L.

jazmin de oriza (jazmin de las Azores)

S,Fl

R

Oleaceae

Jasminum officinale L.

jazmin de cinco hojas

Fl

R,M,O

Oleandraceae

Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott

helecho espada (helecho macho)

H

R,O

Onagraceae

Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven

espanta muerto amarillo (clavellina)

H

R

Oxalidaceae

Oxalis violacea L.

trebol (vinagrio)

S

R

Papaveraceae

Argemone mexicana L.

cardo santo

H,Se

R,M,Ca

Passifloraceae

Passiflora incarnata L.

maracuyá (flor de la pasion)

H,F

R,M,O,B,C

Pedaliaceae

Sesamum indicum L.

ajonjoli

Se

R,M,C

Phytolaccaceae

Trichostigma octandrum (L.) H.Walter

guaniquiqui (guaniquí, bejuco de canasta)

S

R,A

Phytolaccaceae Petiveria alliacea L.

anamú

H,R

R,M

Phytolaccaceae Rivina humilis L.

ojo de raton

H

R

Pinaceae

Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea *

pino macho * (+ derivative: tintura de pino macho)

S,R,H,C

R,M,Ti,B,A,Ar

Piperaceae

Peperomia pellucida Kunth

corazón de hombre (yerba de la plata, pecho de paloma)

H

R,M

Piperaceae

Piper aduncum L.

platanillo de Cuba (canilla de muerto, guayuyo)

H,S,R

R,M

Piperaceae

Piper auritum Sieber ex Kunth

caisimón de anís

H,R

R,M

Piperaceae

Piper nigrum L.

pimienta negra (pimienta china)

Se

R,Sp

Plantaginaceae

Plantago major L.

llantén

H

R,M,O

Plumbaginaceae Plumbago capensis Thunb.

embeleso

S,H

R,O

Poaceae

Bambusa vulgaris Nees

caña brava

R,S,H

R,A,O

Poaceae

Anatherum zizanioides Hitchc. & Chase

vetiver

H,R

R,M

Poaceae

Arthrostylidium capillifolium Griseb.

tibisí (tibisí grande)

S,H

R

Poaceae

Arundo donax L.

caña de castilla

Fl

R,A

Poaceae

Panicum maximum Jacq.

yerba de Guinea

H

R,Ca

Poaceae

Coix lacryma-jobi L.

santa Juana (Lagrimas de Job)

Se

R,A

Poaceae

Cymbopogon citratus Stapf

caña santa (cañuela santa)

H

S,M

Poaceae

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

yerba fina (grama, greña)

H

R,Ca

Poaceae

Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.

pata de gallina

H

R,Ca

Poaceae

Panicum miliaceum L.

millo 1 (blanco)

Se

R,Ca

Poaceae

Panicum purpurascens Opiz

paraná (yerba bruja, yerba paral, yerba de pará, yerba paraná)

R,H

R,M

Poaceae

Panicum sp.

millo 2 (negro)

Se

R,Ca

Poaceae

Phalaris canariensis L.

alpiste

Se

R,Ca

Poaceae

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

millo 3 (mas popular)

Se

R,Ca

Poaceae

Sorghum vulgare Pers.

millo 3 (mas popular)

Se

R,Ca

Poaceae

Zea mays L.

maíz

Se

R,M,C,A

Polygonaceae

Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn.

coralillo rosado (aguinaldo rosado)

H,Fl

R,M

Polygonaceae

Coccoloba uvifera L.

uva caleta

S,H

R,M,C,B

Polypodiaceae

Polypodium aureum L.

calaguala

H

R,M,O

Polypodiaceae

Polypodium polypodioides (L.) Watt

doradilla

R,H

M

Portulacaceae

Portulaca oleracea L.

verdolaga

H

R,M,C

Punicaceae

Punica granatum L.

granada

H,F

R,M,C

Rhamnaceae

Colubrina ferruginosa Brongn.

bijáguara (palo fuego)

S

R,A

Rhamnaceae

Colubrina reclinata Brongn.

jayajabico

H,S

R,M

Rhamnaceae

Gouania polygama Urb.

bejuco jaboncillo (bejuco leñatero)

S,H

M,R,B,D

Rhamnaceae

Krugiodendron ferreum Urb.

carey de costa

S

R

Rhizophoraceae

Rhizophora mangle L.

mangle rojo (mangle colorado)

S,R,C

M,B

Rosaceae

Lauro-ceracus occidentalis M.Roem.

cuajaní

S,H

M

Rosaceae

Rosa sp.

rosa

Fl,S

R,O

Rubiaceae

Calycophyllum candidissimum DC.

dagame (camarón)

S

R,M,A

Rubiaceae

Casasia clusiifolia Urb.

guayaba de costa

S

R

Rubiaceae

Chiococca alba Hitchc.

bejuco de berraco (bejuco verraco, bejuco cochino)

S,R

R,M

Rubiaceae

Coffea arabica L.

café

F,S

R,M,B

Rubiaceae

Erithalis fruticosa L.

cuaba prieta (cuaba negra/roja, justicia, guachinango, cambia pensamiento)

S

R

Rubiaceae

Genipa americana L.

jagua

S

R

Rubiaceae

Guettarda calyptrata A.Rich.

contraguao (tapa vista, guayabillo de costa, tiembla tierra)

S

R,M

Rubiaceae

Hamelia patens Jacq.

ponasi (para mi, ven a mi)

S,H,R

R,M

Rubiaceae

Morinda citrifolia L.

noni (arbol del queso, mora de la india)

F,H

M

Rubiaceae

Morinda royoc L.

palo garañón (garañón, bejuco Congo, bejuco indio 2, levantate, levanta)

R,S,H

R,M,B

Rubiaceae

Psychotria brownei Spreng.

palo moro

S

R

Rubiaceae

Psychotria obovalis A.Rich.

palo moro

S

R

Rubiaceae

Spermacoce tenuior L.

garro blanco

H

R,M

Rutaceae

Amyris balsamifera L.

cuaba blanca (cuaba, huyehuye)

S

R

Rutaceae

Amyris elemifera L.

cuaba amarilla (cuaba de monte, cambia voz/camino, cambia pensamiento 2)

S

R

Rutaceae

Citrus aurantifolia Swingle

limón (limón criollo)

H,F,R,S

R,M,B,Sp

Rutaceae

Citrus aurantium L.

naranja agria

F,H

R,M,C,B,Sp

Rutaceae

Citrus reticulata Blanco

mandarina

H

R,M,C

Rutaceae

Citrus sinensis Osbeck

naranja dulce

F,H

R,M,C,B

Rutaceae

Glycosmis heterophylla A.Rich.

limoncillo

S

R

Rutaceae

Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack

muraya (mirto)

H,S

R,M,O

Rutaceae

Ruta graveolens L.

ruda

H

R,M

Rutaceae

Zanthoxylum martinicense DC.

ayúa (siete rayos)

S

R

Rutaceae

Zanthoxylum pistacifolium Griseb.

palo vencedor del monte (matrimonio)

S

R

Sapindaceae

Allophylus cominia Sw.

palo de caja (caja)

S,H

R,M

Sapindaceae

Blighia sapida Kon.

seso vegetal

F

R

Sapindaceae

Cupania cfr.C. cubensis M.Gómez & Molinet

guara (jalajala, cambia camino, cambia rumbo)

S

R

Sapindaceae

Exothea paniculata Walp.

palo mulato

S

R

Sapindaceae

Matayba oppositifolia Britton

macurije (huye huye)

S

R

Sapindaceae

Melicocca bijuga L.

mamoncillo

F,H

R,M,C

Sapindaceae

Sapindus saponaria L.

jaboncillo (saco saco, mate negro)

S,H,Se

R,D

Sapindaceae

Serjania diversifolia Radlk.

bejuco zarzaparrilla

S,H,R

R,M

Sapindaceae

Thouinidium pulverulentum Radlk.

palo caimán

S

R

Sapotaceae

Achras sapota L.

níspero (sapote)

H,F,Se

R,C

Sapotaceae

Chrysophyllum cainito L.

caimito (doble cara)

S,H,F

R,M,C,S

Sapotaceae

Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. subsp. oliviforme

caimitillo

S,F,H,R

R,M,C

Sapotaceae

Dipholis salicifolia A.DC.

sangre de doncella

S

R,Ti

Sapotaceae

Manilkara albescens (Griseb.) Cronquist

ácana

S

R,A

Sapotaceae

Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni

canistel

F,Se,H,S

R,C,Ca

Sapotaceae

Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E.Moore & Stearn

mamey colorado

Se,H,F

R,M,C,S

Sapotaceae

Sideroxylon foetidissimum Jacq.

jocuma

S

R

Sapotaceae

Sideroxylon salicifolium C.F.Gaertn.

cuyá

S

R

Scrophulariaceae Angelonia pilosella J.Kickx

pensamiento (fernandina)

H

R,O

Scrophulariaceae Capraria biflora L.

magüiro (majuito)

H

R

Simaroubaceae

Picramnia pentandra Sw.

aguedita (rompe hueso, palo amargo, quinina del pais)

S,H

R,M

Smilacaceae

Smilax domingensis Willd.

raíz de China (zarzaparilla)

R,S

M,B

Smilacaceae

Smilax havanensis Jacq.

bejuco tocino

S

R

Solanaceae

Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerh.

campana blanca (arbol de la bibijagua)

H,S

R,T

Solanaceae

Capsicum frutescens L.

ají picante (aji guaguao)

F

R,M,C

Solanaceae

Cestrum diurnum L.

galán de día

H

R,O

Solanaceae

Cestrum nocturnum L.

galán de noche

H

R,O

Solanaceae

Datura metel L. var. muricata

chamico (chamico blanco)

H,Fl

R,M,T

Solanaceae

Nicotiana sp.

tabaco cimarrón

H

R

Solanaceae

Solanum mammosum L.

güirito de pasión (pechos de señorita, pechitos de doncella)

F

R

Solanaceae

Solanum nigrum L.

yerba mora

Se,H

R,M

Solanaceae

Solanum torvum Sw.

pendejera (pendenciera)

H,S,R

R,M

Solanaceae

Solanum verbascifolium L.

pendejera macho

H

R

Sterculiaceae

Cola acuminata Schott & Endl.

kolá (cola, obi)

F,Se

R,M

Sterculiaceae

Guazuma tomentosa Kunth

guasima (caminante)

S,H,R,C

R,M

Sterculiaceae

Sterculia apetala H.Karst.

anacagüita

S,H

R,M,C,S

Sterculiaceae

Theobroma cacao L.

cacao (+ derivative: manteca de cacao)

Se

R,M,C,Ol,B

Sterculiaceae

Waltheria americana L.

malva blanca

R,H

R,M

Theophrastaceae Jacquinia aculeata Mez in Urb.

espuela de caballero

S

R

Tiliaceae

Muntingia calabura L.

capulí (guasimilla)

S

R,C

Tiliaceae

Corchorus siliquosus L.

malva té

H,R

R,M

Turneraceae

Turnera ulmifolia L.

marilope

H,F

R,M,O

Urticaceae

Fleurya cuneata (A.Rich.) Wedd.

ortiguilla (ortiga)

R,H

R,M

Urticaceae

Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.

frescura (llovisnita)

H

R,M,O

Urticaceae

Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich.

chichicate

R,H,S

R,M

Valerianaceae

Valeriana officinalis L.

valeriana (+ derivative: tintura de valeriana)

H

R,M

Verbenaceae

Aegiphila martinicensis Jacq.

lengua de vaca 2 (lengua de mujer)

H

R,M

Verbenaceae

Aloysia triphylla Royle

yerba Luisa

R

R,M

Verbenaceae

Citharexylum fruticosum L.

canilla de venado (sangre de doncella, penda)

S

R,Ti

Verbenaceae

Citharexylum caudatum L.

palo guitarra (penda, roble amarillo)

S

R,M,A

Verbenaceae

Duranta repens L.

no me olvides

S,H

R,O

Verbenaceae

Lantana camara L.

rompecamisa

H,S

R,O

Verbenaceae

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson

menta americana (quita olor)

H,S

R,M

Verbenaceae

Lippia dulcis Trevir.

orozuz (orozuz de la tierra)

H

R,M

Verbenaceae

Lippia micromera Schauer

oreganito

H

M,Sp

Verbenaceae

Phyla strigulosa (M.Martens & Galeotti) Moldenke

fosforito (yerba de sapo, tapa camino, quita maldición 3)

H

R,Ca

Verbenaceae

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl

verbena cimarrona (verbena azul)

H

R,M

Viscaceae

Phoradendron sp.

palo caballero (caballero)

S

R

Vitaceae

Cissus sicyoides L.

bejuco ubí

S,H

R,M

Zingiberaceae

Aframomum melegueta K.Schum.

pimenta de Guinea

Se

R

Zingiberaceae

Alpinia speciosa D.Dietr.

colonia (cojate)

H

R,M,O

Zingiberaceae

Curcuma longa L.

cúrcuma

R

M,Sp

Zingiberaceae

Zingiber officinale Roscoe

jengibre (gengibre)

R,H

R,M,Sp,B

Zygophyllaceae

Guaiacum officinale L.

guayacán

S

R,M,A

Zygophyllaceae

Kallstroemia maxima Wight & Arn.

abrojo terrestre (abrojo)

H

R

* :in the Cuban Red List

Part used: C: cortex, F: fruit, Fl: flor, H: herb or leaves, S: stick (stem,vein,branch) R: root, Se: seed, RA: raceme axis

Use: M: medicinal, R: ritual, C: consumable, O: ornamental, A: artwork, Sp: spice, Cl: colouring agent, S: shadower,

LF: living fence, MI: musical instrument, Ti: timber, T: toxic, Ol: oil, B: beverage, I: industrial, Ca: consumable for animals,

G: glue, D: detergent, F: fibre, W: wood, Sy: symbol, U: utensil, BC: biological control, Ro: roofer, Ar: aromatic, Ty: toy