Picconia excelsa

On the Canary Islands, Picconia excelsa (palo blanco) is one of the long‑remembered rural remedies for upset stomachs and diarrhea. In the east and central islands, a mild leaf infusion is taken after meals according to Darias et al., 1986. In traditional medicine throughout the archipelago, leaves boiled briefly as a decoction are also given for gastrointestinal cramps, as noted by Cañamo et al., 2006. In the Anaga mountains of Tenerife, leaves are similarly used in infusions for diarrhea, a practice recorded in the ethnobotanical survey of Barker, 1994. A single preparation that is most often repeated is a leaf tea: pour 1 cup (about 240 mL) of freshly boiled water over 1 to 2 heaping teaspoons (≈1.5–2.0 g) of dried leaves, cover, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes before straining; the drink is taken 1 to 3 times a day while symptoms persist. In those same surveys, a leaf decoction is also described: simmer 2 teaspoons (≈2–3 g) of leaves in 200 mL water for 5 to 10 minutes, cool, and drink in small doses for cramps. Because Picconia is locally classed as “abortifacient” and “uterine stimulant,” pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid it, and general prudence recommends limiting use to short‑term relief and seeking medical care if diarrhea or pain persists. The leaf extracts are known to contain secoiridoid glucosides (such as oleuropein and related compounds), several flavonoids (including luteolin‑ and apigenin‑glycosides), and chlorogenic acids—compounds well documented in Oleaceae and reported for Picconia that plausibly explain the mild astringent and antispasmodic actions described in folk use. Modern relevance: although Picconia excelsa remains locally familiar and still appears in ethnobotanical compilations of the Canary Islands, commercial standardization is limited, and active research continues on its phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Common products:
Picconia excelsa is used as firewood and for charcoal production in the Canary Islands. Published flora and regional manuals report that the dense, heavy wood makes good fuel and produces high-quality charcoal.

Wood and fiber:
The wood is hard, heavy, close-grained, and suitable for carpentry, turnery, and craftwork such as tool handles, where durability and resistance to wear are valued. The material’s mechanical properties (high density, strength, and dimensional stability) suit small, high-wear objects rather than structural timber.

Industrial and craft applications:
Regional guides note minor use in construction, for small posts, and in various craft and utility items. Its workability and finish allow it to be turned, shaped, and polished for craft objects and small fittings.

Properties relevant to use:
- Wood density: high, conferring heat value and durability.
- Grain: fine to very fine, producing smooth finishes and good turnability.
- Workability: low shrinkage relative to size and good dimensional stability when seasoned, favoring precision craft items.

Sustainability and sourcing:
The species is restricted to Macaronesia (Canary Islands and Madeira). The Portugal mainland population is listed in the EU Habitats Directive (Annex II), and the species is nationally red‑listed in Portugal. In the Canary Islands it is classified as protected. Conservation status and legal protections imply that timber supply is constrained, and any extraction should be subject to national and regional conservation regulations.

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