Pracaxi Tree (Pentaclethra macroloba)
Scientific Name: Pentaclethra macroloba — a tropical evergreen rainforest tree.
Native Home: Amazon Basin and northeastern South America, including Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.
Height: 15–35 m.
Lifespan: 100–200+ years.
Uses and Harvesting
Timber: Moderately hard wood used locally for construction and basic woodworking.
Harvesting: Seeds are collected from mature pods, and oil is extracted from them.
Age to Harvest: Approximately 5–8 years for significant seed production.
Products: Pracaxi seed oil, soaps, cosmetics, hair-care products and local timber.
History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Indigenous communities have traditionally used its seed oil for skin and hair care.
Global Spread: Native to tropical South America, particularly the Amazon region; its oil is now used in natural cosmetic products internationally.
+){kind=link}