icotal

Icotal refers to a genus of plants in the family Euphorbiaceae. The scientific name for this genus is *Pachystroma*. These plants are native to tropical America. The most well-known species within this genus is *Pachystroma longifolium*, often referred to as icotl or icotal. This species is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height. It has simple, alternate leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flowers. The fruit is a capsule.

*Pachystroma longifolium* is recognized for its milky latex, a common characteristic of many plants in the Euphorbiaceae family. This latex has been used in traditional medicine in some regions. The plant's wood is also utilized for various purposes, though specific applications can vary regionally. The genus *Pachystroma* contains only a few recognized species, with *Pachystroma longifolium* being the most widely distributed and studied. Information regarding the ecological role or specific conservation status of icotal species may be limited, but they are generally found in tropical and subtropical environments.