Common Name:

General Information

Sapium haematospermum is a semideciduous tree with a low, wide-spreading, globose crown; it can grow 6 - 12 metres tall. The branches often reach down almost to the ground. The short, cylindrical bole can be 40 - 80cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, source of wood and latex. It is a good hedge plant and can be used within its native range as a pioneer species when re-establishing native woodland.

Known Hazards

A latex contained in the plant is irritant to the skin and eyes[].
The seeds are used as a rat poison[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Found in dense primary forest, and also in secondary formations, usually in river valleys on alluvial soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	9.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Found in the wild on heavier soils that are rich in organic matter[]. Plants are tolerant of seasonal inundation of the soil[].
Young plants establish well and grow away quickly[].
The flowers are attractive to bees[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A latex contained in the plant is applied to the skin to kill warts and other skin problems[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used to make a good hedge[].
A natural pioneer species within its native range, it can be used in planting schemes when re-establishing native woodland[, ].

Other Uses

The seeds have been used as a rat poison[].

A latex obtained from the plant has been used as a rubber[].

The wood is medium-textured, light in weight, soft, very flexible, with poor mechanical properties, not durable. It is easy to work with and used for purposes such as boxes, linings, carving, model aeroplanes, plywood filings and wooden shoes[].
We have no more information on the wood for this species, but a general description of the wood from American members of the genus is as follows:-
The heartwood is whitish, yellowish, or light brown; it is not distinct from the cream-coloured sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight to slightly interlocked; lustre is low; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood has a low resistance to decay and insect attack, including dry-wood termites; lumber is particularly prone to blue stain. The wood is reported to air dry rapidly with only slight warping and checking. It works easily because of its low density; sometimes surfaces are fuzzy but it generally machines smoothly; one report indicates a difficulty in sanding. It is used for purposes such as plywood, fiberboard, particleboard, general carpentry, millwork, utility furniture, boxes and crates[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of less than 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[].
Cuttings.

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