ABSTRACT
Linnaeus described Erithalis fruticosa in 1759, putting the species in a genus that Patrick Browne had created in 1756. Ten species are now known in the Caribbean (Mabberley 1977).
Leafy branches are boiled and the decoction used to treat piles, and in a bath for measles and sores. Parched and ground leaves are applied to dry a wound or stop bleeding of a newborn’s navel (Ayensu 1981, Morton 1981). The name “black torch” is applied because of the smoke given off when it is burned (Morton 1981). The wood is hard, heavy, and durable, and used for posts and carving. The plant is used in construction, fuel, and medicine in Belize (Balick et al. 2000).
