Common Name: Guatambu

General Information

Guatambu is a semideciduous tree with a dense, globose crown; it can grow 20 - 30 metres tall. When growing in the forest, it usually has a well-formed, straight, cylindrical bole that can be unbranched for more than half its height[].
The tree is commonly exploited in the wild for its timber, which is highly valued and often exported to many other countries.
The plant is being heavily exploited for its timber and its habitat is under serious threat from human activities. It is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

When working with the wood, dust from the wood may cause irritation to the nose and throat[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Mixed hardwood forests[]. Atlantic rainforest and broadleaved, semideciduous forests, usually in more open areas and in secondary growth, rare in the denser primary forest; favouring moist soils[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropics to the tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 800 metres.
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a moist soil[].
Plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is nearly white or pale yellowish-brown; it is not distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. Lustre is medium; the grain generally straight or interlocked; texture fine and uniform; without distinctive odour or taste. The wood is tough, strong, hard, fairly heavy, not very durable being moderately resistant to fungi but susceptible to dry wood borers and termites. It is slow to season, with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is poorly stable in service. It is very flexible; easy to saw and work; unlikely to have a marked blunting effect on tools; easy to finish and is reported to glue satisfactorily and take nails and screws well if prebored first. Of excellent quality, it is used for interior finish of buildings, agricultural implements, turnery, tool handles, fine furniture, cabinet work and flooring[, , , , ]. It has been suggested as a substitute for birch (Betula spp.) and hard maple (Acer spp.)[]

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 25 - 45 days[].

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