Pau D'Arco Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa) — Bulk Dried Herb
Pau D’Arco Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
Pau D’Arco — also known as Lapacho or Taheebo — is a magnificent flowering tree native to the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Central and South America. Prized for its striking purple-pink blossoms and exceptionally dense, rot-resistant heartwood, the tree has been a cornerstone of indigenous botanical traditions throughout the Amazon basin and Andean regions for centuries.
Our Pau D’Arco is sourced from the inner bark of sustainably harvested trees, dried and cut to preserve its natural botanical integrity.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Tabebuia impetiginosa (syn. Handroanthus impetiginosus)
- Family: Bignoniaceae
- Common Names: Pau D’Arco, Lapacho, Taheebo, Purple Lapacho, Ipe Roxo
- Plant Part Used: Inner bark
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Sustainably Wildcrafted
- Origin: South America
- Appearance: Fibrous tan to reddish-brown bark pieces
- Aroma: Earthy, slightly woody, faintly bitter
- Flavor Profile: Bitter, woody, mildly astringent
About the Plant
Tabebuia impetiginosa is a large deciduous tree that can reach heights of 30 meters, distinguished by its spectacular display of tubular purple-pink flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge each spring. The tree is found throughout Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru, where it grows in tropical dry forests and gallery forests. Its inner bark — the layer between the outer bark and the heartwood — is the part traditionally harvested and used in botanical preparations. The tree's remarkable resistance to decay and fungal growth has long fascinated both indigenous peoples and botanical researchers.
Traditional Context
Indigenous peoples of the Amazon and Andes have used Pau D’Arco bark for centuries, preparing it primarily as a decoction or tea. The Incas and other pre-Columbian civilizations documented its use in their botanical traditions. It was introduced to broader Western botanical awareness in the mid-20th century and has since become a well-known botanical in both South American and international herbal traditions.
Suggested Preparations
- Decoctions: Simmer 1–2 tablespoons of bark in 4 cups of water for 20–30 minutes. Strain and drink as a tea.
- Tinctures & Extracts: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Herbal Blends: Traditionally combined with other South American botanicals
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Sustainably Wildcrafted
- ✓ Inner Bark Only
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried bark maintains its quality for 2–3 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.