The Many Uses of Trees and Wood
Most of us know the basic trees that we use in everyday life: maple, oak, cherry, mahogany, birch, cedar, redwood, and ash. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of various tree species we do not encounter in our everyday lives. Of course, this is barely scratching the surface of the many variety of trees, but we though that these would be the most interesting, but hey, who are we to say?
Quassia amara (Quassia)
This tree is native from Mexico and Central and South America. It has been used to reduce fevers and expel parasites. It has even been used as a pesticide, particularly against aphids.
Styrax benzoin (Gum Benjamin)
This tree is native to Southeast Asia in places such as Java, Sumatra and Thailand. The tree releases a gum when wounded known as gum benzoin. This gum is said to be effective as an expectorant and helps to relieve bronchitis. The resin is used to make perfume and incense.
Bursera simaruba (Gumbo-limbo)
This tree is native to the Americas and is used in cars for air fresheners. There have also been reports of people using the tree to clean their rears. Besides being used for toilet paper and incense, the tree also serves as wind protection for crops as it is hurricane-resistant. The resin can be used for glue or varnish.
Boswellia carteri (Frankincense)
Perhaps on of the most famous trees due in part to its use in the Old Testament as one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus. These trees are found in the arid regions of the Middle East and the best are in Oman and Yemen. The familiar smell of Frankincense is released when the leaves are bruised.
Widdringtonia cearbergensis (Clanwilliam Cypress)
Is an endangered species of cedar that is native to South Africa. The tree is an endangered species and is used for timber due to the fact that it is rot-resistant, fragrant, and often visually beautiful.
Draecana draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree)
In Ancient Rome the resin of this tree was often used as a colorant due to its strong red color. The red color also brought about the name of the tree. Today the tree is endangered.
Ficus benghalensis (Banyan Tree)
This tree is located mostly in South East Asia. Due to its complex roots and branching, this tree is used extensively for bonsai trees. The complex roots and branching also allow for some people to rent out small rooms on one of these trees. The tree also is the national tree of India and symbolizes unity in Indonesia.
Artocarpus alitilis (Breadfruit Tree)
This tree is native to the Malay Peninsula and western Pacific islands. The fruit of the tree are very starchy and must be cooked before being eaten. It is said to taste similar to freshly baked bread (hence the name). It can be processed with other food such as coconut milk and baked in banana leaves. The tree also yields latex.
Annona reticulata (Custard Apple)
This fruit tree is indigenous to many different parts of the world including India, Australia and Africa. The fruit is good to eat and can also be used as a milk substitute. The unripe fruit can be used against diarrhea, the seek bark has useful tannins and the leaves can be used to make a variety of dyes and inks.