There has been considerable confusion amongst botanists over the status of the genus Deguelia, with it variously being included in Derris and Lonchocarpus. We are following the treatment in Camargo & A.M.G. Azevedo Tozzi. 2014. A synopsis of the genus Deguelia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Millettieae) in Brazil. Brittonia 66(1): 12-32, which treats it as distinct[].

Common Name:

General Information

Deguelia hatschbachii is an evergreen tree with a dense, tall, globose crown; it can grow 4 - 8 metres tall. The more or less crooked , cylindrical bole can be 15 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. A natural pioneer, it can be used when restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden. Very ornamental when in bloom, the tree can be used in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest, mainly in secondary formations but also found in dense, shady forest,, growing in alluvial soils near rivers, bases of slopes and on hilltops; favouring deep, moist, fertile, clay soils[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[].Prefers a moist, deep, fertile, clayey soil, but can tolerate drier and wetter conditions[].
Young trees have a very fast rate of growth[].
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:

A fast-growing, natural pioneer species that fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it can be used in reforestation projects for restoring native woodlands, or in establishing a woodland garden[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, heavy, with moderate mechanical properties and low durability. It is only used locally, for purposes such as beams and scantlings in construction, and external purposes such as fence posts[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it is commonly attacked by insects as it develops, so much of the seed produced is infertile. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can usually be expected from good quality seed, with the seed sprouting within 7 - 14 days[]. When the seedlings are 5 - 7cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 6 months later[].
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 and improve 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[].

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