Other popular names:
Benzoin wood; Benzoin péi; Charron wood in Mauritius and Rodrigues.

Scientific name:
Terminalia bentzoe

Translation :
Benzoin with terminal leaves, in Latin.

Family :
Combretaceae

Nature :
TREE

Description :
Old Benzoins can reach 20 to 30 meters high, with a very straight voluminous trunk from which a resin flows and horizontal branches arranged in tiers. The branches are dilated at their ends, which group the leaves. It is a heterophyllous species: in its first 2 years, its leaves are very colorful, green to red, with a linear and narrow blade. The adult leaves are clearly wider but less long, oval and lose their reddish coloring. The inflorescence is in spikes at the base of the leaves. The flowers are rather white tending towards yellow. The fruit is green, flattened, with a marginal wing, of the samara type, containing a seed.

Presence on the island:
Endemic to the Mascarenes.

Location :
Lowland forests, mainly cultivated by the ONF

Parts used:
Leaves, stems, bark and resin.

Harvest period:
All year round.

Plantation:
Sowing seeds in a nursery, then replanting after 8 to 12 months. Long-cycle species.

History
Terminalia bentzoe is commonly called Benzoin, but it is a "false Benzoin", since it does not contain the same active ingredients as the real Benzoin officinalis. Moreover, the Benzoin essential oil found in pharmacies in Reunion is that of the latter. The local tree owes its name to a text from 1668 left by Souchu de Rennefort (first printed text where the island of Reunion is mentioned), in which we can read this sentence: "almost all the trees mourn the Benzoin". In Reunion, its medicinal virtues have often been used, and there was a time when repeated bark stripping endangered the species (see the JIR of December 18 and 22, 1980, which contain messages against the bark stripping inflicted on the Benzoins, which line the RN5 between Saint-Louis and the Saint-Louis River). But the ONF now cultivates it in quantity… Nevertheless, the message must be passed on: in order not to damage the trees, prefer the leaves and stems to the bark! The species is not listed in the French pharmacopoeia, so its status is not regulated.

Scientifically recognized properties:
According to an Aplamedom sheet, written in 2004, Benzoin has the following properties:
- Diuretic.
- It reduces high blood pressure by inhibiting the ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) enzyme.
- Antibacterial: inhibitor of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, typhoid or enteric fever (Salmonella typhi) and Staphylococcus aureus.

Traditional uses:
- Against illnesses due to "cold" (flu, cough, bronchitis, etc.), since it promotes sweating. Externally (steam baths or friction with resin) or internally (leaf infusion, possibly combined with Cinnamon, Vetiver and Lemon Verbena).
- Against urinary problems, for its diuretic properties. Internally (leaf tea).
- Against high blood pressure. Internally (leaf tea).
- Against sore throats. Internally (gargle with infusion of leaves).
- Against pleurisy. Internally (decoction of bark and vinegar).
- Against asthma. Internally (infusion of leaves with Jean-Robert, Flat Island Balm, Pussy Grass, etc.).
- Against diarrhea and dysentery. Internally (infusion of leaves, possibly combined with Change-bark leaves).
- Against wounds, skin infections, dermatitis, for its healing, antiseptic and disinfectant actions. Externally (application of resin).
- Against amenorrhea (absence of periods). Internally (decoction of bark).

Contraindications:
There are none known to date…

Other uses:
Used for reforestation or as ornamental vegetation (for example along the southern boulevard in Saint-Denis). Excellent timber for construction, wheelwrighting, carpentry and cabinetmaking.

- Image and content sources: book Plants and People