Common Name: Shingle Tree

General Information

Shingle tree is a fast-growing, stately deciduous tree, attaining heights of 30 - 60 metres[]. The bole is buttressed[].
The tree is much exploited for its wood, and is commonly grown throughout the tropics in plantations and as a shade tree for this purpose[, ]. It is often also planted as an ornamental tree, being especially valued for its spectacular flowering display when leafless, followed by a sumptuous, if fleeting, display of coral-red new foliage[]. The tree should not be planted too near houses, however, as dry branches can drop off[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Evergreen gallery forest[]. Montane rain forest and deciduous monsoon forest[]. Sparse forests at elevations of 1,000 - 1,200 metres in southern China[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Shingle tree grows best in submontane areas in the humid and subhumid tropics with a short, dry spell[]. It succeeds at elevations from sea level to about 2,000 metres, growing best in areas where the annual precipitation is between 500 - 3,000 mm and the temperature ranges between 15 - 26°c[]. Plants are very sensitive to frost[].
Prefers a fertile soil and a position in full sun, though it can tolerate a small amount of shade, especially when young[, , ]. Succeeds in acid and alkaline soils[].
A pioneer species, it regenerates primarily in small, burnt areas, on open patches where fresh soil has been exposed and along newly constructed roads[].
Shingle tree is quite fast-growing, able to reach heights of up to 3 metres within 12 months from seed[]. Growth of older trees is still rapid, as observed in Tanzania where the mean annual increment of 13 year old trees was 120cm in height and 19mm in diameter. In Rwanda the mean height of trees was 150cm after 1 year, 4.4 metres after 2 years, 6.7 metres after 3 years, and 19 metres after 24 years with a bole diameter of 35cm[].
A deep rooting plant, the roots can penetrate up to 4.5 metres into the soil[].
It coppices vigorously, the rotation period for fuel is 8 - 10 years and for timber 30 - 40 years[].
The tree competes with crops if grown in fields[].
Young plants have been observed to behave as climbers and stranglers of other trees[].
The tree is a good source of nectar and a good bee forage[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree has an extensive root system and has been recommended for reinforcing riverbanks and stabilizing terraces[].
A natural pioneer species, it is fast growing and adds atmospheric nitrogen to the soil. It has proved to be very good for the reforestation of open areas[]. Its leaf fall adds nutrients and humus to the soil and are suitable for mulching[].
It is ideal as a shade tree on tea and coffee plantations[]. It is known to have been planted as a windbreak in some areas[].

Other Uses

The wood exudes a gum-like resin when the trees are felled[].

The sapwood is whitish; the heartwood is bright red to brownish-red with darker veins, making it very decorative. The wood is not very durable and is prone to attack by fungi and insects, but it impregnates well[]. The grain is straight to slightly interlocked, sometimes wavy; the texture is coarse and even; the wood is lustrous[]. It is heavy, moderately hard, and compact. It is easy to work with tools and is well suited for turnery, carving and polishing[].
The wood is used for interior trim, panelling, furniture and cabinet work. Because it splits easily and regularly, it makes excellent roof shingles[]. Within its native range it is also used for general construction, floors, stairways, doors, tea crates, beehive frames, and after being impregnated, for railway ties[].
The wood is sometimes used for firewood in many places[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 5 minutes in hot water and leave to soak for 24 hours in warm water before sowing in a shaded bed[]. Alternatively, pretreat the seed with sulphuric acid for 10 min[]. A germination of 80 - 95% within only 2 - 7 days is achieved after this pre-treatment[]. Under natural conditions, some seeds may germinate within a week, while others may lie dormant for a year before germinating.
Seedlings are ready for planting out when 3 months old and 30 - 45 cm tall[]. The seedlings are pricked out into beds or containers and placed in full sunlight[]. From the beds they can be planted bare-rooted or as stumps or striplings[].
Seeds exhibit orthodox storage behaviour; they should be stored at low temperatures. A few seeds survived 7 years of storage at room temperature[].
Patch budding has been used and 80% success recorded during establishment seed orchards[].

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