Greenheart

Greenheart, or BEBEERU (Nectandra Rodiei), a tree of the order Lauraceæ, a native of Guiana, of great value as a timber-tree, and also yielding a valuable medicinal bark. The timber is commonly called Greenheart; the bark is better known as Bebeeru (Bibiri, &c., or Sipiri), and its alkaloid as Bibirine or Bebeerine (q.v.). The wood is extremely strong and hard, resembling lignum-vitæ. It takes a high polish. It is so heavy as to sink in water. It is remarkable for its durability, and for being almost exempt from the attacks of the white ants on land and of the teredo in water. It is much valued by harbour engineers, and is admirably adapted for all purposes which demand exceptional strength and durability. Its costliness, however, largely restricts its use, save for turning. Other species yield valuable timber, notably N. concinna, the 'Laurier marbré' of Martinique. The seeds of N. Puchury are used as a digestive tonic, and in diarrhoea and dysentery, especially in Brazil; they are known as Pichurim Beans (Faba pichurim of pharmacy).