Eperua Falcata

Other names: Bootlace tree

Eperua Falcata, also known by the English name Bootlace tree, is a species of plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, genus Eperua. It is characterised by its long brown fruits that resemble shoelaces, hence its English name. This tree is native to equatorial South America, specifically to the region of Guyana and Venezuela, where it grows in primary forests. It grows up to 35 metres tall and is therefore one of the tallest trees in the tropical rainforest.

The wood of Eperua Falcata is hard, heavy and very resistant to rot. For this reason, it is mainly used in heavy construction, for example for the manufacture of load-bearing structures, partitions, bridges and columns. Its wood is also used for furniture and in the shipbuilding industry. Because of its durability, it is also often used in agriculture, particularly for the manufacture of tools and fences. In addition to wood, its bark and leaves are also used. The bark is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, and the leaves are a food source for some insects.