Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The tolu balsam tree belongs to the balsam tree genus (Myroxylon) within the Faboideae subfamily. It grows up to 25 m high. It is found in Central and South America.
Like Peru balsam, tolu balsam is obtained by live resin extraction, i.e. damaging the trunk bark and collecting the balsam flow. Tolu balsam hardens in the air, forming a reddish-brown, vanilla-scented crystalline mass.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Balsam trees grow as small and evergreen trees, which reach growth heights of up to 12 m. They have prominent, approximately 15 cm long leaves and lateral or terminal inflorescences, whose petals are white and stamens yellow. The 7 to 11 cm long legume contains only one seed.
Myroxylon balsamum is the parent plant of Balsamum tolutanum (named after the Colombian city of Tolu), the air-hardened balsam mass.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles