Common Name:

General Information

Virola gardneri is an evergreen tree with a small crown; it can grow from 15 - 35 metres tall. The straight bole is 70 - 110cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for its timber, which is of low value and only used locally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Moist primary rainforest and coastal broadleaf forests, usually on well-drained soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in sunny positions and, especially when young, in the dappled shade of forests[]. Prefers a well-drained soil, though it can tolerate periods when the soil is inundated[].
Newly planted young trees establish well and grow away quickly[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree has potential for use in mixed reforestation projects within its own range[].

Other Uses

The seeds are rich in oil[]. It is used for making candles and soap[].

Cut or damaged trees exude a blood-red, watery latex that is similar to the kino of commerce[].

The wood is straight-grained, of medium texture, light in weight, with poor to average mechanical properties and extremely susceptible to wood-eating insects[]. It is used in construction for boards, anchor plates, core for doors, moulding, trim, light boxes, toys, canoes etc[].
We do not have any more information on the wood of this species. However, a general description of the wood from this genus is as follows:-
Upon drying and exposure, the heartwood becomes a pinkish golden-brown or a deep reddish-brown; it is sharply demarcated from the cream to tan coloured sapwood. The texture is rather coarse; the grain straight; lustre is low to medium; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is not resistant to attack by decay fungi and is very susceptible to attack by termites and other insects; logs require prompt conversion or water storage to prevent damage by pinhole borers; bacterial attack resulting in the formation of odoriferous compounds is also reported. It is generally reported to be difficult to season, with a strong tendency to warp and check as well as collapse and honeycomb; thick stock is slow to dry. It works easily with both hand and machine tools and produces a good finish; it glues well; cuts well into veneers. The wood is used for purposes such as veneer and plywood, particle and fiberboard, furniture components, boxes and crates, light construction, general carpentry, millwork[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a limited viability and should be sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow in individual containers in a sunny position. Germination rates are generally poor, the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[]. The seedlings grow away rapidly[].

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