Common Name:

General Information

Aspidosperma ramiflorum is a deciduous tree with a dense, pyramidal crown; it can grow 20 - 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 60 - 80cm in diameter with a thin bark[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally and also exported. It has an ornamental crown and is used in landscaping projects[].

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 - eastern and southern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Hillsides in the Atlantic rainforest and sparsely in higher montane semideciduous forests. It prefers moist, deep soils at elevations around 400 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade[]. Grows best in a deep, moist, fertile soil[].
A slow-growing tree[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The white wood is moderately heavy, hard, very compact, with a moderately lustrous surface. It is durable if kept dry but susceptible to the attack of dry wood termites. It is used for various purposes in construction, including beams, rafters, internal finishes, parquet flooring and floorboards; it is also used for furniture, lathe work, kitchen utensils, tool handles, plywood etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 40 days[]. The seedlings are slow to grow away[].

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