Botanical Overview
Cipo caboclo (Davilla rugosa) belongs to the Dilleniaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. The dillenia family (Dilleniaceae) includes trees, shrubs, and climbers with simple, alternate leaves with prominent parallel veins. The flowers are showy with five petals and numerous stamens. Species in this family are primarily tropical and produce fruits with fleshy calyces.
Family Context
The Dilleniaceae family is primarily tropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Dillenia indica — 9 documented uses
- Tetracera scandens — 9 documented uses
- Dillenia pentagyna — 7 documented uses
- Curatella americana — 6 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Cipo caboclo has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and others.