VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Taxodium mucronatum | Montezuma Baldcypress 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
The wood of Montezuma baldcypress is reported by Standley [12] as soft
and weak.  According to Elias [5], however, it is hard and durable.
Montezuma baldcypress wood is used in Mexico for fine furniture and
general construction [12].  The wood of its congener, baldcypress, is
widely recognized for its durability [18].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Specific information on the value of Montezuma baldcypress for wildlife
is lacking in the English language literature.  Baldcypress and
pondcypress (Tazodium distichum var. nutans) form characteristic groves
in swampy areas that support complex and variable ecosystems, and are
used by many wildlife species [3].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Montezuma baldcypress is being planted along the banks of the Rio Grande
in an effort to restore natural ecosystems on sites that were cleared
for agriculture [2,16].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Montezuma baldcypress is planted as an ornamental [4,12].  It is an
important medicinal plant and may have been considered sacred by some
Mexican civilizations.  A gummy resin produced after the tree is wounded
was used to cure skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, gout, and toothaches by
the Aztecs; some of these uses continue in popular practice.  Pitch
produced by burning woodchips in a reducing atmosphere was used as a
cure for bronchitis.  The leaves were used as a relaxant and a cure for
itching.  The bark was used as a diuretic and an emmanagogue (an agent
promoting menstruation) [4,12].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Montezuma baldcypress occurs on the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife
Refuge.  Many seedlings are being planted there as part of an ecosystem
restoration project [2,16].

Montezuma baldcypress was heavily utilized for timber for the
construction of both Tenochtitlan and for Mexico City.  Continuing
demands for timber and charcoal have decimated natural groves [4].

Seedlings are subject to herbivory by rodents; greenhouses have to be
rodent-proofed.  Rabbits will gnaw the bark of outplanted seedlings and
saplings [2].

Related categories for Species: Taxodium mucronatum | Montezuma Baldcypress