Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia trichocarpa is a deciduous tree usually growing up to 15 metres tall, though specimens up to 25 metres are encountered[].
The tree is selectively felled in the wild for its valuable wood, which is used locally and also exported. The tree also supplies medicines and a gum for local use.
A deciduous tree restricted to lowland, seasonally dry forest and woodland. The primary vegetation is declining throughout its range and the species is selectively felled for wood, charcoal and fuel. However, this species also occurs in degraded vegetation and will coppice when cut. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - western Madagascar.

Habitat

Lowland, seasonally dry forest and woodland at elevations up to 600 metres, occasionally to 1,000 metres. It can persist as a small tree in grassland, even when this is subject to occasional fire[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant grows on various substrates in the wild, including sandy, rocky and basalt- or limestone-derived soils[]
In cultivation it is likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun[].
The tree can be coppiced[].
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

A bark infusion is used in local medicine to treat diarrhoea[].

A decoction of the leaves is used to treat rheumatic pains[].

A gum obtained from the stem is used to treat laryngitis[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are said to produce copious nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

A blackish gum obtained from the stems has been used to prepare a red varnish[].

The heartwood is reddish brown to dark brown, with darker streaks. The wood is one of the so-called rosewoods that are much in demand for cabinet making, furniture, marquetry and parquet flooring. It is also used locally for poles in house construction and for paddles[]
The wood is a favoured fuel within the plant's range, and is also used to make charcoal[, ].

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[].
Air layering has been successful on an experimental basis[].
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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