Common Name:

General Information

Roupala montana is a deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown. It grows from 8 - 25 metres tall, with a low-branching, cylindrical bole that is 40 - 70cm in diameter[, ]. The fresh wood and crushed leaves or branchlets have a strong odour like that of ground fish or tuna fish[].
The plant yields a very ornamental timber and so is commonly harvested from the wild. It is also sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean - Trinidad.

Habitat

Savannahs in coastal areas, rock savannahs in the mountains and secondary forests on sandy soils[]. Moist and wet forests at elevations up to 144 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of mainly lowland areas in the tropics. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature is 18 - 25°c and the mean annual rainfall is 1,500 - 3,000mm with a distinct dry season[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in a wide range of soil types in the wild, though it grows best in soils with good drainage[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the bark is used as a nerve stimulant[].

Other Uses

The wood is rough-textured, cross-grained, heavy, hard, with moderate mechanical properties, very durable in dry sites or when immersed in salt water. The wood is quite ornamental, especially the radial section, and has been compared with the European oak. It is used particularly for making furniture, fine cases and ornamental objects; and can also be used in naval construction, for sculptures, linings, window and door frames etc[]. (This report is for Roupala montana brasiliensis).

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 90% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 15 days[]. The seedlings develop quickly and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 7 months later[].

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