Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia oliveri is a deciduous tree with an open, spreading crown; it can grow 15 - 30 metres tall. The straight bole can be 60 - 90cm in diameter[, , ].
Dalbergia oliveri yields a very high quality, strong and durable timber that is valued especially for its attractive colour and grain. It is one of the three main species used as Hongmu (red wood) timber, used for producing high quality Chinese furniture following traditions from the Ming and Quing dynasty[]. The tree is harvested from the wild and traded internationally.
The species occurs within a restricted area of distribution and has been overexploited for its beautiful red wood. It has been classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[]. In 2012 the classification was raised to 'Endangered'[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam.

Habitat

Usually in primary and secondary forest, mixed deciduous forest, tropical evergreen or semi-deciduous forest, along streams, at elevations up to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	23.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Young trees are fairly shade tolerant, but older trees prefer a sunny position[]. Members of this genus generally prefer a fertile, loam soil[].
A slow-growing tree[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is a dark red-brown; the sapwood white[]. The wood is close-grained, hard, heavy, and resistant to the attacks of termites. It has an attractive, veined structure and is easy to polish. It is often used for making quality furniture, luxury cabinets, art and handicrafts etc, as well as the handles of agricultural implements[, ].

Propagation

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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