Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.1 Products from the Tropical Rainforest
Tropical Woods
Fibers
Teak, Mahogany, Rosewood,
Bamboo (furniture baskets, flooring)
Balsa, and Sandalwood
Jute (rope)
Kapok (insulation, soundproofing, life jackets)
Houseplants
Raffia (rope cord, baskets)
Anthurium
Ramie (cotton-ramie fabric, fishing line)
Dieffenbachia
Rattans (furniture, wickerwork, baskets, chairs)
Dracaena
Fiddle leaf fig
Oils
Mother-in-law's tongue
Bay oil (perfume)
Parlor ivy
Camphor oil (perfume, soap, disinfectant,
detergent)
Philodendron
Coconut oil (suntan lotion, candles, food)
Rubber tree plant
Eucalyptus oil (perfume, cough drops)
Schefflera
Oil of star anise (scenting, infections, beverages,
cough drops)
Silver vase bromeliad
Palm oil (shampoo, detergent)
Swiss cheese plant
Patchouli oil (perfume)
Zebra plant
Rosewood oil (perfume, cosmetics, flavorings)
Sandalwood oil (perfume)
Spices
Ylang-ylang (perfume)
Allspice, Black Pepper,
Cardamom, Cayeene, Chilli,
Fruits
Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger,
Avocado, Banana, Coconut
Mace, Nutmeg, Vanilla,
Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange
Paprika, and Turmeric
Mango, Papaya, Passion Fruit
Pine, Plantain, Tamarind, Tangerine
Gums and Resins
Chicle latex (chewing gum)
Vegetables and Other Food
Copaiba (perfume, fuel)
Brazil nuts, Cashews, Macadamias, Peanuts
Copal (paints, varnishes)
Cane sugar, Chocolate, Coffee
Gutta percha (golf ball covers)
Cucumber, Hearts of palm, Okra, Peppers
Rubber latex (rubber products)
Manioc/Tapioca, Mayonnaise
Tung oil (wood polish)
Soft Drinks, Tea, Cocoa, Vermouth
Medicines
Annatto (red dye)
Quinine (antimalarial, pneumonia treatment)
Curare (muscle relaxant for
surgery)
Reserpine (sedative, tranquilizer)
Diosgenin (birth control, sex hor-
mones, steroids, asthma, arthri-
tis treatment)
Strophanthus (heart disease)
Strychnine (emetic, stimulant)
Quassia (insecticide)
Source:
Denslow and Padoch 1988.
