Parapiptadenia rigida, commonly known as angico, is a deciduous tree native to the South American Atlantic Forest, specifically in regions of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It typically grows to a height of 59-98 feet (18-30 meters) with a straight trunk and a canopy that can spread widely. The bark is slightly furrowed and grayish, providing textural interest. Angico’s foliage is dark green, and its greenish-yellow flowers, which are not particularly showy, bloom in the spring and are followed by elongated seed pods measuring 3.5-6.3 inches (9-16 cm) in length.

Angico is valued for its hard, durable wood, which is resistant to decay and insect attack, making it suitable for heavy construction, carpentry, and flooring. The tree’s essential oils are also used in the fragrance industry. In cultivation, angico thrives in well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought once established, preferring full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly grown in small gardens due to its size, it can be an excellent choice for reforestation projects and large landscapes. Care should be taken when planting angico, as its robust root system can be aggressive and may interfere with structures and pavements.CC BY-SA 4.0