Common Name:

General Information

Andira nitida is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub or a tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow from 2 - 25 metres tall. The cylindrical bole sometimes has very small buttresses, it can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The tree yields a good quality wood and so is often harvested from the wild. It can be used as a pioneer for restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden. An ornamental tree, it can be used in urban plantings[].
Andira nitida has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

Many members of this genus are used medicinally, particularly to treat parasitic and other skin conditions, and to act as a drastic purgative. The powdered wood, bark and seeds are the parts most commonly used. However the medicinal use of these plants needs to be tempered with caution since the active compounds (the alkaloid andirine is most commonly mentioned) are toxic and, in all but small doses, can cause fever, delerium, vomiting and, in extreme cases, death[, ]. Both caster oil (from Ricinus communis) and lemon juice are said to be effective antidotes[].
The smoke from the wood is said to be toxic and to cause blindness if it gets in the eyes[, ].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest and coastal forest, usually in more open areas and favouring white, sandy soils[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].
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:

A very hardy plant, tolerating direct sun even when quite small, it is fairly fast-growing, fixes atmospheric nitrogen and provides food for the local fauna. It is a good choice as a pioneer species when re-establishing native woodlands or for woodland gardens[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, straight-grained, heavy, with a good resistance to rot. It is difficult to work but is used for a wide range of purposes including posts, stakes and railway sleepers for outdoor use; making barrels, lathe work, general carpentry and cabinet making[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. Sow the large seeds in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of less than 50% can be expected for untreated seed, even when sown fresh, with the seed sprouting within 80 - 120 days[].

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