Leche caspi (Couma macrocarpa)
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Leche caspi (Couma macrocarpa), or cow tree, is a species of tropical plant native to tropical humid America. It is also distributed throughout the Amazon basin of Central and South America, being found in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.
Ideal environmental conditions for couma macrocarpa are:
- average annual maximum temperature of 25.1 ºC
- average annual minimum temperature of 17.2 ºC
- average annual precipitation: 3,419 mm. (max) and 1,020 mm (min).
It is found at variable altitudes from sea level to 1000 m., in non-flooding areas with good drainage and in soils of good fertility. It adapts well to ultisoles and oxisoles and to soil poor in nutrientes, is tolerant of hidromorfismo storm and relatively long dry periods.
In the Amazon Peruvian region, it is cultivated in the Departments of Loreto, St Martin, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, Huánuco, Pasco and the Amazon for its sap. The sticky white latex is sweet and used for treating diarrhea and skin ailments, as well as for patching canoes and other sealing needs. This tree was heavily exploited in the past because the latex was exported for use in plastics, wiring, golf balls, and rubber. The fruits are sweet, chewy and milky in taste.
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