Jamaica Dogwood
This genus includes eight or so species of trees, occuring in C America, the West Indies, and Florida. Piscidia piscipula is an important honey plant in the Yucatán, where the finest honey in Mexico is produced. It was introduced to Europe in 1690 and grown in greenhouses during the 19th century, but is seldom seen today. Piscidia is closely related, and similar in appearance, to Lonchocarpus, a much larger genus that is known for its fish poisons. Both genera contain rotenoids, which stun fish but leave the flesh untainted and edible. One of these compounds is rotenone, a powerful insecticide, which is extracted from the E Indian Derris elliptica for commercial purposes. Although known as Jamaica dogwood, Piscidia is not related to dogwoods (Cornus, See Cornelian Cherry) and differs in appearance. Piscidia is from the Latin piscis "fish", and caedere, "to kill", and refers to the use of crushed leaves and twigs by native N Americans to stupefy fish, so that they float to the surface and are easily caught.

Deciduous tree with pinnate leaves, to 24cm (10in) long, divided into elliptic-ovate leaflets, to 10cm (4in) long. Blue-purple to white, red-striped flowers, about 1cm (3/8in) long, appear in panicles in spring before the new leaves, followed by winged pods, 7cm (3in) long.

Common Name:	Jamaica Dogwood
Other Names:	Fish Poison Tree
Botanical Name:	Piscidia piscipula syn P erythrina
Genus:	Piscidia
Family:	Fabaceae
Native Location:	Mexico, Florida, West Indies
Cultivation:	Deep, well-drained soil in sun with high humidity. Cut back hard after flowering to control size.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Bark is collected as required, often after trees are felled for their lumber, and dried for use in decoctions, liquid extracts and tinctures.
Height:	15m (50ft)
:Width	10m (30ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 16-18°C (61-64°F)
Parts Used:	Bark of stems and roots
Properties:	A bitter, acrid, sedative herb with an opium-like aroma. It relaxes spasms, controls coughing, and relieves pain
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for whooping cough, asthma, neuralgia, migraine, nervous exhaustion, toothache, insomnia, painful menstruation, and postpartum pain control. Combined with Viburnium prunifolium (See, Black Haw) for gynecological problems; with Humulus lupulus (See. Hops), Passiflora incarnata (See, Maypops), or Valeriana officinalis (See, Valerian) for severe symptoms of nervous tension, such as palpitations and panic attacks.
Warning:	Contraindicated during pregnancy, and in cardiac insufficiency. For use by qualified practioners only.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 321