Brown Heart

Common Name: Brown Heart, Cabbage Tree, Bastard Mahogany, Bay Seed, Cabbage Bark, Crown Heart, Partridge Wood, Pig's Turd
Scientific Name: Andira inermis
Family: Leguminosae
Origin: Mexico, the West Indies, Tropical Central America & West Africa

General Facts:

• Has an unpleasant cabbage-like smell… probably why it’s also called the cabbage tree
• Hardy tree that can grow under varying rainfall and soil conditions
• Evergreen and flowers 2-3 times a year, usually after dry weather

Food/Medical facts:

• Decoction of leaves used as beverage (Africa)
• Fruits can be eaten (Africa)
• However, bark and seeds are reportedly poisonous
• Bark – used as vermifuge – this is dangerous in large doses – can cause vomiting and delirium
• Seeds – have narcotic properties

Animal fact:

• Bats eat the fruits – main seed dispersers

Other uses:

• Ornamental value – showy flowers
• Provides good shade
• Wood – timber
1. very hard and resistant to fungi and termite attack
2. used to make bridges, railroad tracks, poles, furniture, billard-cues, boats

Take note:

• Tree – susceptible to basal rot – prone to uprooting and snapping of branches during windstorms
• Fallen flowers are troublesome to sweep
• No longer popular for roadside planting especially in residential areas

How to recognize:

• Crown in dome-shaped