Jabillo is the name given to a species of tree of the euphorbiaceae family, its height is greater than 30 meters, the shape of its leaves is heart-shaped and large, characterized by presenting a gray and spiny bark. Its scientific name is: "Hura Crepitans L.". The jabillo is native to the intertropical zones of both North, Central and South America, mainly in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. On the island of Cuba this tree is widely spread.
Jabillo is a tree that is always green, depending on the environment where it is planted, the bark is brown and smooth in texture, which gives off a resin that can be irritating. Flowers grow in different places on the tree, these flowers can be female or male. The male flowers are born on the edge of the branches and are spikes of 3 to 5 cm in length, are dark red in color and have 8 to 20 stamens. On the other hand, the female flowers are solitary, borne on the seeds, and are dark red in color. This tree is characterized by being very thickIts wood is very heavy and its roots very shallow, it is not recommended to be planted in residential areas, since its trunk can develop thorns that can be dangerous, in addition to its size can affect the buildings that are close to it. Its branches can easily break during storms and cause damage.
Among the many uses that are given to jabillo wood is that of being used in carpentry, and in cabinetmaking, with the trunk you can make canoes. The resin that springs from its bark is used in fishing to stun fish, as well as being irritating if it comes into contact with the skin. Its wood is the raw material for the manufacture of coffins and is of high commercial value. The seeds of this tree can be very toxic if ingested, if so, you should induce vomiting or practice a stomach wash by applying 340 g of activated charcoal in 1 liter of water.
