Myroxylon peruiferum, commonly known as balsam of Peru, is a tree native to Central and South America known for its aromatic resin. Here are five bullet points about its seeds:
Seed Production: Myroxylon peruiferum produces small, dark-brown seeds that are encased within the fruits it bears.
Aromatic Resin: The resin extracted from the bark of the Myroxylon peruiferum tree is known as balsam of Peru and is highly valued for its rich, sweet, and balsamic fragrance. It is used in perfumes, fragrances, and medicinal applications.
Seed Toxicity: The seeds of Myroxylon peruiferum contain toxic compounds, including coumarin and benzyl benzoate. Ingesting these seeds can be harmful and should be avoided.
Culinary Use: While the seeds themselves are not typically used in cooking, the balsam of Peru resin derived from the tree is sometimes used to flavor certain foods and beverages, particularly in traditional Latin American cuisine.