Common Name:

General Information

Clarisia racemosa is a semideciduous tree with a dense, large, rounded crown; it can grow 20 - 40 metres tall. The straight bole can be 60 - 90cm in diameter and free of branches for almost half its height[, ].
The tree yields a valuable timber and so is commonly harvested from the wild.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Costa Rica, Nicaragua

Habitat

A canopy tree in the rainforest, favouring clayey soils in areas not subject to inundation[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Young plants grow best in the dappled shade of the woodland, becoming more light tolerant as they grow larger[]. Prefers a clayey soil[].
Young trees have a moderate rate of growth[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is bright yellow, becoming brown or russet, but retaining a golden lustre upon exposure; it is sharply demarcated from the 2 - 5cm wide band of white sapwood. Texture is medium to coarse; the grain variable, often decidedly roey with an attractive figure; dry specimens are without distinctive odour or taste. The wood is moderately heavy, moderately hard; very durable, but not if in contact with the soil, being very resistant to attacks by dry wood borers and termites. It seasons normally, with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable to stable in service. It is easy to work, though has a high blunting effect so stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; it is rated fair to good in all machining operations; cross-grained material requires sharp tools to produce a smooth surface; fresh wood saws woolly; it does not take nails and screws well; glues and stains satisfactorily. A valued timber, it can be used for a wide range of purposes including making high class furniture, cabinet work, panelling, joinery, tool handles, flooring, general construction and laminates[, , , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers - placing 2 - 3 seeds in each container. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 60 days[].

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