Pau Rosa

Forty species of evergreen trees and shrubs make up this genus, which is found in tropical American and West Indian rainforests, with one species in India. Several are used for essential oils, hardwood lumber, and medicinal compounds. Native peoples use some species medicinally. Commercially, the most important is A. roseadora, which has been exploited since 1875, when a Frenchman first distilled its exquisite fragrance oil, known as bois de rose or rosewood oil. First harvested from the wild in French Guiana, where supplies are now exhausted, stocks are currently taken from the understorey of rainforests in Brazil. One or two plantations have been established, but little natural regeneration takes place. The need for urgent research into the lifecycle and cultivation requirements of this rainforest tree was recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1986.

Aromatic, evergreen tree with a slender habit, and leathery, elliptic leaves about 14cm (5½in) long, which have a downy, yellow-brown undersides. Insignificant flowers are borne in downy, dull red panicles, to 18cm (7in) long, at various times of the year.

Common Name:	Pau Rosa
Other Names:	Cara-cara
Botanical Name:	Aniba roseaodora
Genus:	Aniba
Family:	Lauraceae
Native Location:	Amazonia and the Guianas
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained soil in shade, with high humidity.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; needs light to germinate. Seeds are difficult to harvest.
Harvest:	Trees are cut when 10-15 years old and chipped for steam-distillation of oil.
Height:	25m (80ft)
Width:	15m (50ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Parts Used:	Wood, oil
Properties:	Rich in linalol, a volatile oil with a lily fragrance.
Economic Uses:	Lumber is an important hardwood. Oil is used to flavor candy, frozen desserts, chewing gum, and baked goods, and to scent pharmaceutical products, detergents, and perfumes.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 123