Pimenta racemosa is a species of plant in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that is native to the Caribbean region and Venezuela. Common names include West Indian bay tree, bay rum tree, and ciliment.
Description The tree is 4–12 m tall and the white flowers, about 10 mm wide, become black, oval fruits measuring 7–12 mm.Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER): Myrtaceae: Pimenta racemosa (by J.W.Moore) The ideal conditions for P. racemosa are regular irrigation and bright sunshine.
Varieties Five varieties are accepted: Pimenta racemosa var. grisea – Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands Pimenta racemosa var. hispaniolensis – Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) Pimenta racemosa var. ozua – north-central Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa – Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, and Windward Islands Pimenta racemosa var. terebinthina – northeastern Dominican Republic
Ecology Pimenta racemosa is widely introduced and can become an invasive weed. The plants are now grown widely in other tropical areas, including Oceania.
Uses It is used in cooking and an essential oil is distilled to produce a fragrant cologne called bay rum; although the name is similar to names of flavored alcoholic beverages, the concentrated essential oil from the fruit is toxic and renders the product undrinkable.desert-tropicals.com: West Indian Bay Tree, Bay Rum Tree The leaves are also used for herbal teas.
Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties Extracts from multiple varieties of Pimenta racemosa display anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are mediated in part by terpenes such as abietic acid and lupeol, which alter neutrophil migration into inflamed regions.
Pimenta racemosa also demonstrates antinociceptive properties and has historically been used as an analgesic in the Caribbean.
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