Shihuahuaco
Dipteryx micrantha
The great Shihuahuaco.
One of the tallest and longest-living trees in the jungle, it is, for the Shipibo, the Tree of Life and one of the great Amazonian master trees.
Another name for Shihuahuaco is the “tree of steel.” This is because it makes our bodies strong like its wood, but also because it is a powerful energetic protector, offering a steel shield, like armor.
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The energy of Shihuahuaco is masculine and represents the archetype of the king: strong, powerful, fundamentally good, honest, and fair. ​​
The medicine of Shihuahuaco teaches us to embody these qualities, bringing to the surface everything that is not aligned with this integrity.As a king tree, Shihuahuaco opens the crown chakra, clears the mind, brings fundamental joy and peace, and connects us to the light and the divine.
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Shihuahuaco is a territorial tree on an energetic level. In nature, due to its extremely hard wood, lightning does not damage it but is instead transferred to the ground, affecting surrounding plants and giving it more space to grow.
Its energy is very strong, and it is difficult not to feel it. Shihuahuaco often appears as an old, wise man, and if one animal were to represent it, it would surely be a lion, which may appear in visions.
Its world is filled with light and gold. The tree may appear in visions or dreams with bark made of light and golden leaves. You may also see the golden city of Shihuahuaco.
Like many trees, its world is complete, encompassing the realms of water, earth, and sky.
Tree of Life, Tree of Steel, King Tree, Man-Maker, Shihuahuaco is undeniably a major Amazonian medicinal tree. It is considered one of the most evolved plant spirits on Earth.
For those who love pastry, Shihuahuaco is a close relative of Dipteryx odorata, which produces the flavorful tonka bean.
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Shihuahuaco has very valuable wood and has been increasingly logged; it is now a threatened species. If you wish to help protect this beautiful medicinal tree, be aware that its commercial names are Cumaru and Brazilian teak.