Common Name:

General Information

Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon is a deciduous tree with a dense, oblong crown; it can grow 8 - 16 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be 40 - 70cm in diameter with a deeply fissured bark[].
A useful wood is obtained from the tree, which is often harvested both for local use and for trade. A very ornamental tree, it can be planted in gardens, along the sides of streets etc[].

Known Hazards

The freshly cut wood and sap of Aspidosperma species causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, with general malaise[].
The sawdust, on contact with abraded skin, produces local burning and a vesicular eruption with general symptoms of muscular weakness and cramps, sweating, dryness of the mouth, and faintness[].
Once the wood is thoroughly dry it loses its toxicity unless polishes or dyes in organic solvents are used on it[]

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Paraguay, southern, central, eastern and northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru.

Habitat

Semideciduous broadleaved forests, often on well-drained soils with medium to low fertility[]. It can be found within dense primary forests and also in open, secondary formations[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun[].
A fast-growing tree, easily reaching a height of 3.5 metres within 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is yellowish; the sapwood yellowish-white. The texture is fine, lustre bright, grain interlocked, the odour is distinctive and the taste bitter and distinctive. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, of great durability when not in contact with the ground or wet conditions. It is used in general construction, general carpentry, to make parquet blocks, truck bodies etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position either in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A germination rate of around 30% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25 days[]. When the seedbed-sown seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out less than 6 months later[].
The seed remains viable for at least 5 months in storage[].

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