Question
Hi, Chris!

Have you ever heard of the "hand plant tree"??   It has numerous nicknames such as the Devil's Hand tree or the Taluca tree but the scientific name is Chiranthodendron pentadactylon.

Chiranthodendron is Greek for "Tree with a hand-shaped flower." Pentadactylon is Greek for "5-fingered." Rare tree, even in it's native Mexico and Guatemala.

Anyway, I have identified one on my friend's land which fueled our interest in learning more about this intriguing tree.  I'm unable to find any info on the net that is not dated later than the 1900's!  So, I stumbled across this site and thought it would be interesting to hear your response and to see if you had any info.  We'll hit the library on Mon.

Also, could you suggest a few websites with good comprehensive profiles regarding medicinal properties and herbal uses??  I'm focusing on unusual species such as false unicorn and pachoulli.......I can't get past basil or oregano sites.........(Ha-Ha J/K)

Thanx so much!
Della of So. Cal.

Answer
Hi Della,

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about the plant.  It sounds intriguing just from the name doesn't it.  My best sources of medicinal info is in books I own so that trip to the library was probably more helpful than any sites I'd suggest.

Thank you for writing.  I'm sorry I couldn't help with this question

Chris