The incorporation of organic plant material also makes the material more insoluble, which prevents it from dissolving in the rain – an important feature in the tropical climate that is often buffeted by hurricanes bringing heavy rain.

Other studies at sites such as Ek'Balam in Yucatán, Mexio, also found that extracts from another tree – pixoy, or Guazuma ulmfiolia – helped to act as a fixative to preserve the layers of colour used in the lime-plaster.