Our Orchard
In this corner of Comala, the legacy of Don Samuel Fuentes Salazar and Engracia Gómez Guerrero comes to life in a lush orchard.
Location
La Paranera Hotel & Relax Degollado 81, Centro,
28450 Comala, Col.
Casa Paranera Degollado 72, Centro,
28450 Comala, Col.
Location
La Paranera Hotel & Relax Degollado 81, Centro,
28450 Comala, Col.
Casa Paranera Degollado 72, Centro,
28450 Comala, Col.
Guamúchil
Pithecellobium dulce
From the legume family, the Guamuchil tree is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree. Native to the American tropics, it reaches heights of up to 25 meters, with a trunk diameter ranging from 30 to 75 cm; it boasts a wide, spreading canopy and generally has smooth, light gray bark.
It bears flowers of a light green or yellowish hue. Its edible fruit is a narrow, elongated pod, often curved or spirally twisted, with pulp that can be white, pink, or light red.
Properties or uses:
It is considered to have antiparasitic and astringent properties. It is commonly used in medicinal practices, effective in preventing diseases or treating them, such as diarrhea, stomach ailments, colic, sores, wounds, pimples, and strengthening teeth.
Its consumption can generate a large amount of gas, which cleanses the body's ducts of microorganisms, thus preventing potential diseases.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 5
Mamey
Pouteria sapota
The mamey tree is a tall tree that grows slowly and has a long life span. It can reach heights of 50 meters, with large leaves that, along with its branches, create dense foliage. It has strong and durable wood that is used to make furniture.
Its fruit, also called mamey, can reach a size of 25 cm. Its exterior is brown and rough in texture, while the pulp inside is juicy, soft, and sweet, ranging from orange to reddish in color. Its shape can be elongated like an ellipse or round in some cases.Its seed, up to 10 cm in size, is oval and black, sometimes containing more than one seed.
Properties or uses:
Antibiotic: Thanks to its supply of vitamins A and C, this fruit helps us fight various diseases.
Antioxidant: The vitamin C content in this fruit provides us with antioxidant properties, in addition to providing collagen, which helps prevent aging.
Astringent and bactericidal: The tannins in mamey, in addition to improving our skin and vision, also help eliminate bacteria and have a healing effect.
Respiratory conditions: The mamey seed is used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and cough.
Stomach problems: Its astringent properties help reduce symptoms of diarrhea and gastroenteritis.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 77
Cuajiote
Bursera galeottiana
Better known as 'papelillo' for its red bark that peels off, forming crusts similar to paper. It can reach up to 25 meters in height and 10 to 100 cm in diameter, with an irregular and scattered canopy.
Properties or uses:
In addition to being used to reduce fever, the decoction of its bark is taken as water for use against dysentery, stomach pain, whooping cough, or to speed up the evolution of measles.
To treat kidney ailments, it is advised to ingest the decoction of the leaves in the morning and evening.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 3
Guayabo
Psidium guajava
The guava tree is a small tree belonging to the myrtle family. It is a native shrub of tropical America that has become naturalized in other tropical areas of the planet.
Properties or uses:
The fruit is called guava and is industrially marketed for its nutritional qualities.
The pulp is used to treat intestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia and worms.
The root is used against diarrhea.
An infusion with guava leaves is used as a sitz bath.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 8
Plátano
Musa × paradisiaca
Banana plants are perennial crops that grow from a thick underground stem. During their growth process, several shoots sprout rapidly, from which usually one is left to favor fruit growth, which can be harvested throughout the year.
Banana leaves are among the largest in the plant kingdom. They are smooth, tender, elongated, and can measure up to 2 meters long and 60 cm wide.
Properties or uses:
Bananas are an extremely versatile food. The most common and simple way of consumption is as a dessert fruit, served whole, using the peel as a handle to avoid direct contact between hands and pulp.
Due to the large size of their leaves and their strong fibers, they can be used as packaging or wrapping material.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 21
Cacao
Theobroma cacao
Its natural habitat is tropical humid forests and it has a height of 4 to 8 meters. It takes between 5 to 6 years to bear its first fruits and 6 months to mature. Its fruits are elongated berries, containing 30 to 40 reddish-brown seeds on the outside, covered with sweet, edible white pulp.
Properties or uses:
Diabetes. Helps improve insulin resistance and glucose metabolism.
Blood pressure. Its high flavonoid content makes it a good ally to regulate it.
Brain. Its flavonoids play a neuroprotective role, as they improve memory functions and learning capacity.
Healthy skin. Flavonoids increase the elasticity, hydration and density of the skin.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 2
Rosa Morada
Tabebuia rosea
The purple rosewood tree measures from 6 to 10 meters in height, although in its native habitat it can exceed 25 meters. It has a short trunk with grayish bark, somewhat fissured, and its flowers have a bell-shaped and bilabiate calyx with petals ranging from pink to lavender or magenta.
Properties or uses:
The wood is used in interior design for fine furniture, flooring, cabinets, etc.
It is also an ornamental tree for parks, gardens, and property boundaries.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 3
Trompetero
Brugmansia arborea
It is an evergreen or semi-evergreen tree covered with a fine indumentum. It can reach a height of 7 meters. It has alternate leaves, with asymmetrical blades at the base.
Its flowers can measure up to 17 cm and are cone-shaped resembling a trumpet, white in color, and aromatic. It also produces an oval fruit about 4-6 cm long.
Properties or uses:
It is used as an ornamental plant. It prefers semi-shade, especially in warm climates, and is usually sensitive to cold.
It blooms very well in temperate climates, requiring rich, well-drained, fresh, and dry soil in winter.
During the growing season, it requires abundant and daily watering, supplemented with some fertilizer.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 2
Aguacate
Persea americana
Avocado tree, Avocado is a large perennial fruit tree, which can reach up to 24 meters in length. It mainly grows in tropical climates, so its cultivation has expanded to various regions of the world.
It is a leafy tree, with a strong and upright trunk, its flowers are small, yellowish green. The most characteristic part of the avocado is its fruit of the same name.
Properties or uses:
Avocado is such a versatile tree that it can be fully utilized, as its use is not only limited to the pulp of its fruit, but also the other parts that compose it, such as: wood, leaves, peel, seed, and natural oils.
Its leaves are used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and are commonly consumed as an infusion. Crushed peel is used as a purgative to cleanse the digestive system.
Medicinally, avocado oil reduces cholesterol and blood pressure, is good for strengthening our hair, improving the appearance of our skin, and revitalizing our body.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 5
Palma Cocotera
Cocos nucifera
The coconut palm can be found on the sandy tropical beaches of the Caribbean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. It also grows in other hot climate zones when cultivated.
It is a single species with multiple varieties, mainly distinguished by the color of the fruit (yellow or green coconut) and the stem. The common and characteristic trait of plant varieties is the taste of the fruit, which is pleasant, sweet, fleshy, and juicy. Its leaves can reach up to 5 meters in length.
Properties or uses:
The dried pulp of the coconut is called copra and contains 60-70% lipids; coconut oil is obtained from copra and used in the production of margarine and soap.
The palm wood is used for construction.
Coconut is used as a diuretic, emollient, vermifuge, and mildly laxative.
The burned shell is used as a remedy for toothache.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 11
Pimienta
Pimenta dioica
The tree can reach up to 25 meters in height, and a diameter of up to 40 cm, with a straight trunk. The bark is smooth and peels off in very thin and elongated plates, greenish-brown or yellowish in color, and highly fragrant.
Pepper fruits are round, 4 to 10 mm in diameter, very rough and aromatic, greenish-yellow and black when ripe; they contain 1 to 2 compressed seeds on one side of the fruit.
Properties or uses:
Pepper wood is used for rural construction, beams, and firewood.
Its fruit is edible and used as a condiment.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 1
Guanábana
Annona muricata
It is a primary species found in tropical deciduous and semi-deciduous forests. It thrives best in warm and humid climates.
It is a small tree, 3-8 m tall, branched from the base, with a foul odor when crushed. The branches are reddish and hairless, cylindrical, rough, and wrinkled. The crown grows extended, with compact foliage.
Properties or uses:
Both the fruit and the leaves are attributed medicinal properties. The most widespread claim is that it cures cancer, but it does not specify the type, and there is no evidence to support its effectiveness, either with the unprocessed plant, with any of its isolated active principles, or in combination.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 15
Arrayán
Luma apiculata
It is also called guayabillo due to its fruits, which are round and resemble small guavas, measuring between 1 and 1.5 centimeters; they are sour when tender and turn yellow when ripe. They are consumed in sweets, fresh waters, and appetizers.
Its stem is thin, its bark smooth, almost white to grayish-green, its leaves thin and shiny, up to 5 centimeters long. Its flowers are white, with five petals with a tuft in the center, and aromatic.
Properties or uses:
Arrayán or guayabillo has been used to treat diarrhea, coughs, ulcers, and some other diseases.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 4
Chico Zapote
Manilkara zapota
Chico is an evergreen tree, 25 to 35 m tall, with a diameter of up to 1.25 m. The leaves are arranged spirally, clustered at the tips of the branches, simple, elliptical to oblong, with an entire margin.
Properties or uses:
It is a natural source of vitamin A and C, strengthening the defenses.
It helps treat respiratory problems.It is good for visual health.
It has healing antibiotic properties that improve the immune system.
It prevents the formation of clots in the arteries.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 11
Carambolo
Averrhoa carambola
The carambola is a perennial tropical shrub, belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. Its fruit is the carambola, also known as star fruit.
Properties or uses:
In addition to its visual beauty, the carambola fruit is rich in fiber, facilitating intestinal transit.
This tropical fruit contains vitamin C, essential for iron absorption and an important antioxidant, which minimizes the effects of cellular aging.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 3
Primavera
Tabebuia donnel-smithii
The primavera tree is a species known for its striking yellow flowers. It blooms during the early months of the year, usually between March and April, hence its common name.
It is deciduous, with a height of 28 to 37 m and a diameter of 50 to 60 cm at breast height, with sparse branching, irregular and rounded crown.
Properties or uses:
The primavera tree is ideal for urban use, as it grows rapidly and provides good shade, also due to the beauty with which it blooms, it creates a warm and tranquil environment and is resistant to drought.
It has a vital function, as it provides food for pollinators such as bees, wasps, and hummingbirds, which contribute to agricultural production.
Its wood is usable and has great aesthetic value for furniture, beams, and construction.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 6
Galeana
Spathodea campanulata
It is mainly an ornamental tree and is highly prized for its reddish-orange bell-shaped flowers. It can grow up to 7-25 m in height and is native to the African intertropical zone.
The flowering period varies, depending on sunlight exposure. It has soft wood and is used for soft nests.
Properties or uses:
The seeds are used as food in some regions.
Various parts of the plant are used in natural medicine.
The tissues of the tree contain saponin, which is used in the treatment of various diseases.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 8
Cafeto
Coffea
The coffee tree is a small bush or tree, evergreen, with a straight trunk that can reach 10 meters in the wild; in cultivation, they are usually kept smaller, around 3 meters.
It requires a lot of moisture to bear fruit; it prefers high ground, and is not resistant to frost. In a favorable situation, the coffee tree produces fruit for 50 or 60 years, with a yield of 800 to 1400 kgs.
Properties or uses:
Many studies in humans show that coffee consumption improves various aspects of brain function.
It is one of the few natural substances that help burn fat.
Coffee contains many other essential nutrients for our bodies. A cup of coffee contains riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin.
Coffee is also the largest source of antioxidants in the Western diet.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 11
Mango
Mangifera indica
The mango tree is tall and can exceed 30 meters in height in its natural habitat, although this is not usually the case in temperate climates. In fact, it behaves aggressively when it comes to fighting for sunlight and can cover other trees of the same height to reach solar radiation.
The mango leaves remain on the tree for more than a year and the white-petaled flowers have a very subtle aroma. Pollination occurs through insects and only 1% or less will mature to produce fruit: the famous mango.
The fruit of this tree is green with reddish tones, large in size, has fleshy pulp, and is very sweet.
Properties or uses:
The mango fruit is rich in vitamin C and also has a high content of vitamin A, making it a good antioxidant fruit.
Among its flavonoids are quercetin and kaempferol.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 6
Pistache
Pistacia vera
The pistachio tree, also known as alfónsigo, pistachio, or alfóncigo, is a small tree native to the mountainous regions of Greece. It is a rustic tree that tolerates extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Between July and August, it is in the ripening stage, which is where it requires a lot of heat and a dry environment to avoid pests and diseases.
From 30 months onwards, the tree begins to bear fruit, although some may only start at seven years or more. The best time to harvest pistachios is between late August and early September.
Properties or uses:
Of all nuts, pistachios are the richest in proteins, and they also have an excellent amount of good fats, folic acid, and fiber.
They help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and increase good cholesterol thanks to their fatty acids.
Moreover, pistachios increase defenses, improve blood circulation, prevent fat accumulation in the arteries, and decrease elevated blood glucose levels.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 1
Vainilla
Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla is a genus of orchids with around 110 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of America, Asia, and Africa. Species of the Vanilla genus are climbing plants that can reach over 36 m with alternate leaves that extend along their entire length.
It is the only species of orchid cultivated for industrial use; used as a flavoring in foods and beverages, as well as a fragrance in cosmetics.
Properties or uses:
Vanilla acts as a general tonic, with stimulating properties on the central nervous system.
It has mild analgesic and antiseptic effects. It stands out mainly for its digestive and aromatic virtues.
It has been attributed aphrodisiac powers, which may be exaggerated.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 5
Pasiflora
Passiflora incarnata
Passionflower is a perennial vine, up to eight meters long, with numerous ramifications. It has palm-shaped leaves, divided into oval and acute segments.
The flowers are very large and showy, with five cream or reddish petals, and numerous external purple filaments, and on them are arranged the stamens and the stigmas, thick, cross-shaped. They emit a pleasant, fragrant fragrance.
The fruit is an oval berry, with green, satin skin, with fleshy and juicy interior, reddish in color, edible, which includes numerous black seeds with a gelatinous appearance.
Properties or uses:
Passionflower is an excellent natural remedy for combating insomnia, whose sedative effects were already appreciated by the Incas and Aztecs.
In addition, it relieves muscle fatigue, migraine, and mild anxiety states.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 1
Guásima
Guazuma ulmifolia
It is a low, highly branched tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height, with a trunk of 30 to 60 cm in diameter covered with gray bark. It produces small flowers with five white-yellowish petals. The fruit is a subglobose black-purple capsule.
Properties or uses:
Guásima sap is used in hair beautification and to prevent hair loss.
The decoction of fruits is used to treat diarrhea, colds, and kidney problems.
Infusion and decoction of bark are used to treat malaria and syphilis.
Leaves are used to treat liver and kidney conditions, asthma, bronchitis, fever, and gonorrhea.
Root bark decoction is used against hemorrhoids and dysentery.
Bark decoction is used topically to treat skin conditions such as leprosy or burns.
Number of specimens at La Paranera: 2
