Common Name:

General Information

Buchenavia tomentosa is a semideciduous tree with a large, dense crown; it can grow 5 - 12 metres tall. The short bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood. It can be used as a pioneer species for restoring native woodland.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru.

Habitat

Semideciduous forests, usually in more open areas and areas of secondary growth, favouring the more fertile soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	8.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a moist, fertile soil[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth, perhaps reaching a height of 2 metres within 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A sweetish tasting, fleshy pulp[]. The greenish-yellow, globose drupe is around 3cm in diameter, containing a single seed[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Although it grows fairly slowly, the tree grows well in a sunny position and provides food for humans and other creatures. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland and could also be suitable for use when establishing a woodland garden[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, cross-grained, heavy, with good mechanical properties and moderately durable even when exposed to the weather. It is used in general construction for purposes such as beams, boards and scantlings; and also for external purposes such as fence posts and stakes[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can usually be expected from fresh seed, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 20 days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 6 months later[].
The seed has a short viability in storage[].

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