An evolving list of tree species for planting

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The Ashaninka have clear ideas on which trees are suitable for planting, We hope to see the list of tree species (see below) evolving to suit the requirements of both carbon offsetting and Ashaninka agro-forestry. There are many indigenous trees which provide a wide range of uses for the Ashaninka (e.g. the Pacay described below). At the present time, the following trees are on offer:

Mahogany - local name caoba - Peru boasts one native mahogany species (Swietenia macrophyll) a deciduous tree which grows up to 40m with buttress; highly sought after for its particular qualities since the 17th century, but it's only since 2002 that illegal logging of mahogany has reached the Ashaninka region of the Peruvian rainforest

Cedar - local name cedro - a member of the Cedrela genus, there are 7 indigenous cedar species in Peru, the Ashaninka will use the most locally available seeds; cedar wood is second only to mahogany in its economic value as legal (or illegal) timber

Chocolate - local name cacao - native to the Americas and with wild varieties in the Ashaninka forest, chocolate already provides a small income and is an important cash-crop in the Peruvian Amazon, particularly on the lower slopes of the eastern Andes where it grows particularly well

Capirona - local name capirona - a genus of just one species, common across the Amazon region, its Latin name is Capirona decorticans; growing to 40m with buttress it has an excellent reputation locally as a native timber species)

Pacay - local name pacay or guaba - indigenous species, Latin name Inga edulis. This palm tree reaches its crescendo in Peru where there are 100 distinct species. It not only fertilises the soil, but it is fast growing and provides edible fruit as well as timber, seeds for necklaces and also suri grubs, a favoured Ashaninka food

Bolaina - local name bolaina - 4 of its 15 species are found in Peru, including Mollia gracilis; grows to around 20m and is another good indigenous timber

Cinchona - local name teca - indigenous species, medicinal properties e.g. a malaria cure

Teca - local name teca - grown in Peru but native species from Asia, Latin name Tectona grandis

Mango - local name mango - Latin name Mangifera indica L., originates in tropical Asia