Biology and Characteristics of Dipteryx odorata
– Grows up to 25-30m (82-98ft) with a trunk diameter of up to 1m (3ft 3in)
– Smooth and gray bark, red wood
– Alternate pinnate leaves with three to six leaflets
– Pink flowers
– Pollinated by insects, with bats as the worst pests
Tonka Seeds and Coumarin
– Tonka seeds contain coumarin, responsible for their pleasant odor
– Seeds normally contain 1 to 3% coumarin, but can reach 10%
– Coumarin is used in the perfume industry
– In large doses, coumarin can cause hemorrhages, liver damage, or heart paralysis
– Coumarin is controlled as a food additive by many governments
Uses and Cultivation
– Tonka beans have been used as a source of natural coumarin
– Artificial coumarin became one of the first artificial flavoring agents as a vanilla substitute
– FDA considers foods containing tonka beans adulterated due to toxicity in high concentrations
– Tonka beans are used in French cuisine and perfumes
– Coumarin is also present in lavender, licorice, strawberries, and cherries
– Main producers of tonka beans are Venezuela and Nigeria
– Cumaru tree grows on poor, well-drained soils
– Best growth on fertile soils rich in humus
– Mean annual temperature of 25°C and about 2,000mm (80in) rainfall in native region
– Harvested in June and July, with fallen pods collected from January to March
Social and Economic Aspects
– Dipteryx odorata generates important income for rural families
– Used for timber and nontimber products
– Yield of beans per tree is about 1.0-3.5kg per year
– Cumaru trees produce a large volume of seeds every four years
Seed Diversity, Dispersal, and Importance
– Seeds come in various shapes, sizes, and colors
– Different seeds have different germination requirements
– Seeds can be categorized into monocots and dicots
– Some seeds are adapted for dispersal by wind, water, or animals
– Seed diversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance
– Seeds are dispersed through various mechanisms
– Wind dispersal is common for lightweight seeds
– Water dispersal occurs in aquatic plants
– Animal dispersal involves seeds sticking to fur or being consumed and excreted
– Dispersal helps plants colonize new areas and reduces competition
– Seeds are essential for plant reproduction and survival
– They contain embryonic plants and necessary nutrients
– Seeds are a source of food for humans and animals
– Many crops and agricultural practices depend on seeds
– Preservation of seed diversity is crucial for food security and biodiversity Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipteryx_odorata
