A plant record

Wild lime (piné jaune)

Zanthoxylum fagara · Rutaceae

EnglishWild lime

Kreyòlpiné jaune

FrançaisBois pini

BotanicalZanthoxylum fagara

Also known asFagara fagaraPine juanebois pinilépiné rougel'épineux blanc

FamilyRutaceae

Wild lime (piné jaune) — Zanthoxylum fagara, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

A thorny aromatic shrub of dry woodland. Chewing the pungent bark or leaf numbs a sore tooth and freshens the mouth, and a decoction is taken as a warming digestive and circulatory stimulant. The spines and strong oils ask for a measured hand. ⚠ Keep internal doses low — the genus's alkaloids can slow the heart and lower blood pressure.

In three languages

Kreyòl — moulen / moupe pou trete maldan; estimile krache ak sikilasyon (alkylamid pikan); itilize kòm estimilan dijestif ⚠ Kenbe dòz entèn yo ba — alkaloyid nan jan an ka ralanti kè a epi bese tansyon.

Français — Arbuste aromatique épineux des bois secs. Mâcher l'écorce ou la feuille piquante engourdit une dent douloureuse et rafraîchit la bouche, et une décoction se prend comme stimulant digestif et circulatoire réchauffant. Épines et huiles fortes demandent une main mesurée. ⚠ Garder de faibles doses internes — les alcaloïdes du genre peuvent ralentir le cœur et abaisser la tension.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; Caribbean ethnobotany

Kept alongside

Common rue

More on Haitian plant medicine