Common Name:

General Information

Arapatiella psilophylla is an evergreen tree with a very small, globose crown; it can grow 10 - 25 metres tall. The bole is normally straight and more or less cylindrical, around 40 - 70cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is of good quality. An ornamental tree, it can be used in landscaping[].
The tree has a restricted range in eastern Brazil, where its habitat has been severely reduced by human activity. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

A canopy or subcanopy tree in the Atlantic rainforest, growing on gentle slopes and the tops of hills, favouring well-drained, fertile, clayey soils[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in fairly dense shade when young, but needing more light and tolerating full sun as it grows older[]. Prefers a well-drained, fertile, clayey soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is compact, heavy, very hard, with good mechanical properties and quite durable. An ornamental wood, it is used in general construction for purposes such as beams, scantlings and flooring blocks; for external purposes such as posts, stakes, bridge beams and hydraulic work[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of more than 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 7 - 14 days[]. The seedlings should be ready to plant out 6 - 7 months later[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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