Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia cultrata is a deciduous tree with an open, narrow crown; it can grow from 10 - 30 metres tall. The bole is straight[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber, resin and oil. The timber is said to be of very good quality and the tree is one of 33 species named as being a suitable Hongmu (red wood) timber, used for producing high quality Chinese furniture following traditions from the Ming and Quing dynasty, which makes it a particularly valuable wood[]. The tree is grown in reforestation projects in Thailand[].
The distribution range of Dalbergia cultrata extends over a wide area at present, but the species has been described as decreasing due to the severe reduction of forest areas in the countries where it occurs and to the overexploitation of the timber. Deforestation has contributed to the increasing fragmentation of the forested areas, which might also lead to reduced genetic diversity and genetic flow between the various subpopulations. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar.

Habitat

Scattered in mixed, deciduous forest, hillsides in dry evergreen forest, usually found in open areas, at elevations from 100 - 1,500 metres[, ]. A common species in fire-prone areas where it is shrubby and coppicing[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are mainly found in the wild growing in sany soils and on limestone escarpments[]. In cultivation they are likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun[].
A fast-growing tree[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is planted as a pioneer species in northern Thailand in reforestation projects to restore native woodland - it is planted in degraded woodland and open areas in a mix with various other species that all have the ability to grow fast; produce dense, weed-suppressing crowns; and attract seed-dispersing wildlife, particularly birds and bats[].
This species has been used as a shade tree in agroforestry systems[].

Other Uses

The tree is said to exude a red resin[].

A useful oil is obtained from the tree[]. (from the seed?[])

The heartwood is dark purple to reddish-black and ebony-like, often streaked with red; the sapwood is pale brown[, , ]. It is hard and exceedingly durable[, ]. A good quality wood, it is used for precious furniture as well as for making wheels, agricultural implements, spear-handles, etc., and sometimes for carving and high quality handicrafts[, , , ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Germination rates, especially of fresh seeds is said to be high[].
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[].
Softwood cuttings of many species, especially if taken from younger plants, will root in a well-drained, sandy medium in a closed case with bottom heat[].

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