Discover the versatility of the trupillo in La Guajira

El trupillo o Prosopis Juliflora, scientific name. It is a leguminous plant, native in some countries of Central and South America. It should be noted that in each country where it develops it is distinguished by a different name; in Mexico, for example, it is known as Mezquite, Espinaruco in Honduras, Cují in Venezuela, among others.

The most exciting and enriching thing is that, in the arid and semi-arid zones of Colombia such as: La Guajira, Magdalena and Cesar, also predominates the Trupillo or Aipia in language Wayuunaiki and that is why, this time we will discover the versatility, attributes and uses of this plant in the Guajiro territory, as it is one of the most emblematic trees due to its history, benefits and abundance in every corner.

In accordance with the above, we can highlight the utilization and different uses of this plant in the Wayuu indigenous communities.

Feeding

It is characterized by high sugar content, dietary fiber, and protein. In the midst of the drought, trupillo leaves become food for livestock and in turn produce shade for these animals and people. Trupillo protein constitutes (60%) the weight of seeds; but in order for animals to benefit from it, when food availability is low, the pods and seeds must be crushed otherwise they pass through the digestive tract without being assimilated. Crushing is difficult due to the presence of a thick pulp surrounding the seed. The gum obtained from the seed is used as a food sweetener and has properties very similar to those of gum Arabic. (Jaimes M, Restrepo, & Acevedo C, D. 2014)

Medicinal

It is interesting to know that Aipia is also part of the medicinal culture For the Wayuu the Trupillo was a person who cured bone fractures, so their bark is still used to splint the broken arms and legs of humans. t is significant to note that for parasitosis, a very common disease in children, Trupillo is the plant of greatest application and that is always at your disposal for the abundance of its fruits. (Rosado Veja & Moreno Fernández 2010)

Handcrafted

• According to the (Fundacion Natura, 2017), the aipa has a significant value that integrates the being wayuu with this plant; it consists in the historical utilization of its bark for the manufacture of the first ropes, with which began the conception of the art of weaving for the design of the first rucksacks and elementals chinchorros .

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• Due to its characteristics and magical properties, from the Trupillo is obtained resistant wood for the construction of traditional homes and fences with wires. In addition, it is also essential, for the cooking of food in the ranches, because the serves as firewood, giving life to the “Wayúu stove” symbolic space at dawn, all the members of the family gather around it to talk.

In La Guajira, beautiful places to meet and unique experiences to live await you. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact us Let us take part in your adventure discovering the magic of this land!

Sources:

Jaimes M, J. D., Restrepo, D., & Acevedo C, D. (2014). Preparation And Determination Of The Functional Properties Of Trupillo Protein Concentrate.

Rosado Veja, J. R., & Moreno Fernández, M. I. (2010). Farmacopea guajira: the use of xerophytic medicinal plants by the Wayuu ethnic group. Magazine CENIC. Biological sciences, 5.

El Heraldo (2020 ) Mi primo el Trupillo

Jairo Rafael Rosado Veja, Malka Irina Moreno Fernández. (2010) Farmacopea guajira: the use of xerophytic medicinal plants by the Wayuu ethnic group

​Foundation Natura. (2017). With efficient wood stoves, Wayúu indigenous people protect their sacred tree from deforestation and care for their health.