Common Name:

General Information

Aspidosperma pyrifolium is a deciduous shrub or tree with a dense, low, wide, pyramidal crown and branches that can reach down to the ground. It varies considerably in height from a small shrub in the driest parts of its range to a tree 7 - 14 metres tall in the dry land forest of Brazil[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. The small size and ornamental crown make this a good tree for landscaping in general[].

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, central and northeastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Dry land forest, scrubland and savannah, favouring fertile chalky soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
Trees resprout abundantly from the base if cut down[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood has a fine and uniform texture, is moderately heavy, soft and very durable. Easy to work, it is used in cabinet making, flooring blocks, wainscoting etc, though its small size limits its usefulness[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. The seed sprouts within 12 - 26 days[].

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