At least 14 useful species are known. For this genus a large variety of applications is reported. The wood is useful. The bark contains tannin and a gum. Medically it is used for coughs. Bark fiber is also used. The leaves are stomachic and tonic. Rough leaves of some species are applied as sand paper. Leaves are likewise helpful to kill fly larvae. Leaves and shoots are astringent and haemostatic. Flowers are used for leis, and to induce perspiration. Fruits are edible. Fruits and leaves help with coughs and colds. Some mucilaginous fruits supplya glue. Medically, fruits are emollient and help against fever. An ointment obtained from the seeds is applied for cutaneous diseases. Herbal parts are used for intestinal and stomach complaints and bronchial conditions.Bark structure has been studied by ROTH 1981, as has structure and dispersal 1987, and leaf venation 1996.

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.