Common Name:

General Information

Cnidoscolus quercifolius is a deciduous shrub or tree with a sparse, longish or roundish crown; it can grow up to 8 metres tall. The short, cylindrical bole often has branches from the base, it can be 20 - 35cm in diameter[]. The leaves are covered in stinging hairs[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of oil and wood. It can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland.

Known Hazards

The leaves are covered in stinging hairs[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dryland forest on hillsides and near rivers, favouring deep, moist, fertile soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Found in the wild in a range of soils from sandy to clayey[]. Prefers a deep, fertile, moist soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A fast-growing plant[].

Edible Uses

An edible oil is obtained from the seeds[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing plant that succeeds in full sun and is tolerant of many soils, it can be used as a pioneer plant when restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

An oil is obtained from the seed[].

The wood is moderately heavy, soft to the touch, with poor mechanical properties and not durable. It is only used for low value items such as boxes and linings[].
The wood is used for fuel and 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 14 - 20 days[]. When the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many suns are in our solar system