If you would like to support this site, please consider Donating.
Useful Tropical Plants

Geoffroea decorticans

(Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Burkart

Fabaceae

+ Synonyms

Gourliea chilensis Clos

Gourliea decorticans Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.

Gourliea spinosa (Molina) Skeels

Lucuma spinosa Molina

Common Name: Chañar

Geoffroea decorticans
Floweriing tree
Photograph by: Arianza1
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans Geoffroea decorticans

General Information

Geoffroea decorticans is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 12 metres tall with a dense, rounded canopy 8 metres wide. The bole can reach 60cm in diameter. The plant produces new shoots from the roots, often several meters from the parent plant, and can form thickets[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
,
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. The fruit is an important food source for the local people[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
]. In areas like San Pedro de Atacama it was a staple food for the native people, and is very prolific[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
]. The seeds have high potential to become a producer of biodiesel and biofuel in arid and semi0arid regions[
1469
Title
Geoffroea decorticans for Biofuels: A Promising Feedstock
Publication
Journal of Renewable Energy; Volume 2017, Article ID 4216175, 5 pages
Author
Claudia Santibáñez & Marcela Vargas
Website
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4216175
Publisher
 
Year
2017
ISBN
 
Description
 
]. An attractive plant, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].
Geoffroea decorticans is widespread in South America and is known to occur within a number of protected areas throughout the species range. Seeds have been collected and stored by the Millennium Seed Bank Project and the species is known from recent collections. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

Range

S. America - northern Chile to Argentina and Uruguay, north through Bolivia to Peru.

Habitat

Arid forests; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Properties

Weed PotentialYes
Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *  *
HabitDeciduous Tree
Height10.00 m
Growth RateMedium
PollinatorsBees, Insects
Self-fertileNo
Cultivation StatusCultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Geoffroea decorticans is a plant of tropical and subtropical areas, often growing in areas where there can be no rainfall for a year or more (it can tap into underground water, and also found in areas where the mean annual rainfall is up to 1,350mm)[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
]. It can tolerate some freezing, but it is not a cold climate plant, growing best in regions where the mean annual temperature is within the range 20 - 26°c[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
]. It has been known to survive occasional, short-lived lows down to -14°c[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
Relatively easy to cultivate, it is a very undemanding plant that can tolerate all kinds of soils, even saline ones, provided that it has good drainage[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
].
Conidered to be a weed by cattle ranchers because it can invade pasture land. It has not spread outside its native range, though anyone wishing to grow it in other regions (it should do well in Mediterranean areas for example) should be aware that it does have the potential to become invasive[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
The plant produces deep-penetrating roots that can tap into underground sources of moisture[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
It is not a fast growing species, you can expect fruits from around the sixth year[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
].
The pale yellow flowers have an attractive aroma[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
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[
755
Title
Nodulation Plants in GRIN Taxonomy
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/cgi-bin/taxnodul.pl?language=en
Publisher
United States Department of Agriculture
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An online database listing plants that have either positive or negative reports on root and stem nodulation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
].

Edible Uses

Fruit[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
]. A high sugar content[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
]. The fruit can be macerated, then boiled, to make a product similar to molasses. Known locally as 'arrope', it is used with cheese and pastries[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
]. Fleshy and sub-acid, the fruits resemble a jujube, Ziziphus jujube[
46
Title
Dictionary of Economic Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Uphof. J. C. Th.
Publisher
Weinheim
Year
1959
ISBN
-
Description
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
]. In the virtually rainless Atacama desert of Chile, the fruits are collected, stored in 220-litre barrels and ground to make a type of milkshake in local restaurants[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
]. The ovoid or globose fruits are around 35 x 25mm in size[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
The fleshy layer surrounding the seeds contains 5% protein, 1% fat, 17% fibre, 2% ash, 23% hemicellulose and 49% sugar (predominantly sucrose)[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].

Medicinal

The bark, combined with honey or sugar, has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].

An infusion of the leaves has been used as an emollient and to control asthma[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].

Agroforestry Uses:

The abundant flowers provide a rich source of nectar for honey production[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
The plant is a natural pioneer species, especially in the moister parts of its range where it can invade pasture land. It is considered to be a serious weed by cattle ranchers, but is considered to be a useful plant by many other people. It can be used within its native range to help restore native woodland[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
,
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

Other Uses

A dye was extracted from the bark and used to dye wool and cloth[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].

The seeds have a high oil content and a woody husk, both with high potential as raw material to become valuable biofuels in arid and sem-arid areas. The oil makes a high quality biodiesel, whilst fuel pellets made from the husks have a higher calorific value and a lower ash content when compared with other biomass pellets. As a consequence of the high content of fruit pulp that remains in the husk, there is no need to add binders or other additives for the production of the pellets, showing a high durability value[
1469
Title
Geoffroea decorticans for Biofuels: A Promising Feedstock
Publication
Journal of Renewable Energy; Volume 2017, Article ID 4216175, 5 pages
Author
Claudia Santibáñez & Marcela Vargas
Website
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4216175
Publisher
 
Year
2017
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

The wood is hard, heavy, strong with a rather fine texture and irreguar grain. It is a suitable wood for many furniture and carpentry applications, but is seldom available in large enough dimensions for this. It is used locally for tool handles, small furniture items, and is favoured for making small ornamental boxes[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
, 1309).
The wood makes a good fuel and is used for making charcoal[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].

Propagation

Seed - keep them moist at relatively low temperatures of 12 -18°c[
330
Title
ChileFlora
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.chileflora.com/index.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
Not realy a flora, but a lovely site with lots of helpful information for the gardener and an abundance of excellent photos covering over 2,000 species of Chilean plants.
].
Sections of the root usually produce new shoots freely. Even dried up roots more than 12 months old have been known to sprout when moistened[
1093
Title
Invasive Species Compendium
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.cabi.org
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-03-29. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Geoffroea%20decorticans>

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.