Carapa

Carapa is a genus of tropical American trees in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, comprising several species including Carapa guianensis, commonly known as andiroba or crabwood, and Carapa procera. The trees are evergreen and can reach about 25–30 meters in height, with pinnate leaves and fruit capsules that split open to reveal seeds.

Seeds are pressed to produce andiroba oil, a traditional and commercial product used in cosmetics, topical medicines, and insect repellents. In local Amazonian communities, andiroba oil is used for anti-inflammatory applications and skin care; scientific evidence varies and largely supports traditional uses rather than established medical effects.

The wood is heavy and durable, and is used locally for carpentry, cabinetry, and occasionally exported as crabwood timber. Carapa is native to northern South America, especially the Amazon rainforest, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, northern Brazil, and parts of neighboring countries. It grows in lowland tropical forests, often near rivers or floodplains.

Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss in the Amazon can impact populations, but some Carapa species are not currently listed as endangered. Phytochemically, seeds contain fatty acids and limonoids; andiroba oil is valued for its aroma, emollient properties, and potential anti-inflammatory effects, though evidence varies.