Another name for calachuchi tree is pagoda or temple tree. In the province, it is commonly known as the graveyard tree because it is often seen growing around cemeteries or graves.
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| Calachuchi |
Calachuchi is cultivated as an ornamental tree because of its fragrant and attractive flowers of varied colors creamy white, pink and red. it originally came from mexico and was introduced here by the spaniards. This is a small tree that grows from 3 to 7 meters high. it has a thick, crooked trunk and fleshy branches that have a lot of sticky milky juice. The leaves are found at the tips of the branches. They are about 40 centimeters long, pointed at both ends. They are arranged spirally at the ends of the branches. The flowers bloom in big clusters after the tree has shed its leaves. The creamy white variety is the most fragrant and the biggest in size.
The calachuchi is not only an ornamental tree. it has medicinal value, too. The bark is used as a purgative. The leaves may be prepared and used as lotion for cracks and eruptions of the soles of the feet. They may also be made into cigarettes for astmatic people. The milky juice is used to cure toothache. mixed with coconut oil, it is a good remedy for itches.
