Common Name:

General Information

Callisthene major is a semideciduous tree with a dense, widely globose crown; it can grow 7 - 12 metres tall. The almost straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. An ornamental tree that provides a good shade, it could be used in rural areas and in public squares if a satisfactory method of propagation could be found[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and eastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Semideciduous forests and their transition to savannah, favouring well-drained soils of moderate fertility[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a well-drained soil of moderate fertility[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is used in baths for treating chronic lymphangitis[].

Other Uses

The wood is a source of a dye[].

The wood is medium-textured, moderately heavy, with good mechanical properties and with moderate durability even when exposed to the elements[]. It is used in construction for internal purposes such as beams, scantlings, laths and ceilings[].
The wood is used for fuel and also to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 56 days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers. Plants usually grow away poorly as they grow larger, it might be that they need an association with some specific organism in the soil - it could be worthwhile using soil from around a healthy large specimen to try and introduce this organism[].

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