About Carapa guianensis Aubl.
Carapa guianensis Aubl., commonly known as andiroba, is native to the Amazon, and is widely used by indigenous populations in northern Brazil. It grows across the Amazon region, Central America, and the Caribbean. This is a tall tree with dense foliage that typically grows in tropical rainforests along river edges. Its timber is used for making furniture and flooring. While the wood is not classified as genuine mahogany, it belongs to the mahogany family and has a similar appearance. The oil from andiroba almonds, also called crab oil or carap oil, is light yellow and extremely bitter. It solidifies when exposed to temperatures below 25 °C, reaching a consistency similar to petroleum jelly. This oil contains olein, palmitin, and glycerin. The oil and fats extracted from andiroba almonds are used to produce insect repellent and ingredients for traditional medicine. In Brazil, the oil is also used to protect furniture from termites and other wood-eating insects.
