The Bastard Cedar
The bastard cedar, scientifically known as Guazuma ulmifolia, is a total sun worshiper. It finds itself happiest providing shade in open pastures and recolonizing disturbed forests where there are fewer tall neighbors to block the rays. This tree, normally growing to a height of 30 meters and proudly wearing oblong, finely saw-toothed leaves, small whitish yellow flowers, and not very appetizing looking yet edible fruit, has an incredible number of uses in its native Central and South America. The easily worked wood is used for light construction and crafts, as well as firewood or charcoal (especially handy if the construction or craft project does not go as planned). Farmers use the leaves and fruit to feed their livestock during the dry season, the bark and stems are used to make rope, and the sap is used to clarify the syrup in the sugar making process. Also used as a traditional treatment for diarrhea, coughs, fevers, high blood pressure, venereal disease, and even baldness, the bastard cedar combats a wide variety of very legitimate ailments.
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