Description

Huayruro Bracelet – Ormosia amazonica

These beautiful bracelets are made by women of the Quechua tribe in the Rio Napo area in Ecuador. The brightly colored Huayruro seeds are widely used in Amazonian crafts and jewelry; they protect travelers and attract good fortune. The huayruro macho (male) seeds are black and red, and the huayruro hembra (female) seeds are all red. It is said that wearing them gives protection against the mal de ojo (evil eye).

The bracelets are made from seeds that have been wild harvested from the forest, some beeds and a string. Of course they are handmade and yes they are fairtrade.

Toxic

The seed of many if not all species in the genus of Ormosia contain alkaloids and are toxic.

Habitat

Ormosia amazonica is an evergreen or briefly deciduous tree with a large, moderately dense, rounded crown; it can grow 25 – 35 metres tall. The seedpods open whilst still on the tree. The seeds, however, often remain in the canopy for months after this, resting in the open pods until the wind or some animal dislodges them – or until the pod rots and falls to earth.