Common Name:

General Information

Ocotea catharinensis is an evergreen tree with an open, wide crown growing 25 - 30 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be 60 - 90cm in diameter[].
The tree yields a good quality timber which is traded internationally[]. It has been heavily harvested from the wild. It also yields an essential oil that is used in perfumery.
Formerly abundant, this slow-growing species has become rare because of the levels of exploitation of its timber. An essential oil is also harvested from the bark for the perfume industry. Its habitat also continues to decline. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

South America - southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dense primary forest in the Atlantic rainforest, favouring slopes and the tops of hills, growing on deep, rich clay and well-drained soils; found at elevations from 30 - 900 metres, but growing mainly at elevations from 300 - 700 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position with some shade, especially when younger[].
A slow-growing tree, barely reaching a height of 2 metres within 2 years from seed[].
Trees can flower all year round[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the bark is used in the perfume industry[].

A gum resin is obtained from the tree[].

The wood is medium-textured, moderately heavy with a smooth surface. It has moderate mechanical properties and moderate durability. An excellent timber for construction, where it is used for beams, rafters, shingles, parquet flooring etc; it is also used for making furniture, panels, stakes, naval construction etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 60 days[]. When the seedbed-sown seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 9 - 11 months later[].

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.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is greater, 5 or 9?