Tynanthus guatemalensis
| Tynanthus guatemalensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Tynanthus |
| Species: | T. guatemalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Tynanthus guatemalensis Donn.Sm. [1] | |
Description
Tynanthus guatemalensis, commonly known as k'an, is a flowering plant species in the genus Tynanthus. It contains the chemical eugenol, the chemical responsible for the cinnamon aroma in the cinnamon plant. However, T. guatemalensis is not closely related to the cinnamon plant. The xylem tissue in the stem of the K'an plant forms a distinctive cross shape.
Distribution
Tynanthus guatemalensis is a tropical plant found in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico.[2]
Uses
Tea
Tynanthus guatemalensis is popular as a tea with the Mayans. Many Mayan ceramic vessels feature the distinctive k'an cross.
Medicine
Tynanthus guatemalensis is used as a thirst remedy and an antidiabetic remedy among the Mayans; thirst is a symptom highly associated with diabetes. K'an is also reputed to reduce the effects of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
Building Material
The xylem in the stem of Tynanthus guatemalensis makes it a strong material, often used for ropes and scaffolding by the Mayans.
References
External links
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Wikispecies has information related to: Tynanthus guatemalensis |