About Viburnum triphyllum Benth.
Viburnum triphyllum Benth. is a tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a characteristically crooked trunk, a trait common to vegetation of high Andean forests. Its leaves are lemon green on the upper surface and pale green on the underside, with a texture similar to cardboard paper. This species produces white fragrant flowers grouped into an umbrella-shaped inflorescence called an umbel. Its ripe fruits are fleshy and colored deep red, similar to red wine. This species is distributed across Andean forest areas, at elevations between 2400 and 3400 meters above sea level, found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Viburnum triphyllum Benth. has high ecological importance for restoration projects. It has a high foliar exchange rate, forms associations with mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and typically tolerates nutrient-poor, shallow, and eroded soils. Its wood is used for construction and as fuel for wood furnaces. The bark of this tree contains tannins that are used in tanneries. A violet dye extracted from its fruits can be used in handicraft work. It is planted ornamentally in parks and road medians. Ecologically, it provides food for birds and insects, especially bees, helps protect watersheds, and supports the initiation of restoration processes. It is also used as a live fence and windbreaker.
