The genus Argyrodendron is generally treated as a synonym of Heritiera. However, Wilkie P. et al; Phylogenetic Relationships within the Subfamily Sterculioideae (Malvaceae/Sterculiaceae-Sterculieae) Using the Chloroplast Gene ndhF; Systematic Botany, (2006), 31(1): pp. 160-170 has found Argyrodendrom to be distinct. Until this research is more widely accepted, we will be maintaining this species under Heritiera[].

Common Name:

General Information

Heritiera peralata is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 55 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be free of branches for up to two thirds of its height; up to 150cm in diameter; and buttressed[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its good quality wood, which is used locally and also traded. The tree is also cultivated on a small scale as a timber crop in Australia[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - northeast Queensland.

Habitat

Found in well developed rain forest on a variety of sites but probably reaching its best development in upland rain forest on deep red soils derived from basalt; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	40.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the seasonal moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 900 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 30°c, but can tolerate 15 - 38°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 2,000 - 3,000mm, but tolerates 1,250 - 3,800mm[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in most well-drained soils of at least moderate fertility[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Leaf material of this species has been shown to be active against some tumours[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is pink to reddish brown, usually decoratively figured. It is moderately strong; has high electrical insulating properties; and dresses well, particularly with machine tools. A useful structural and general purpose timber, it is suitable for house construction where not exposed to the weather. A very decorative wood. It is particularly well suited for polished floors, being hard wearing and, when sanded, taking a high polish. It peels well and produces a decorative veneer[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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