Common Name: Verawood

General Information

Verawood is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 30 metres in height but is more commonly 12 - 15 metres tall[, ]. The bole is slender, straight, and of rather good form, 35 - 50cm in diameter and free of branches for 4.5 - 6 metres[].
The timber is exceptionally durable and so the tree is commonly harvested from the wild. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Colombia and Venezuela.

Habitat

A common tree of the dry shorelines and foothills[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile, well-drained soil and a position in full sun[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant and also tolerate salt-laden winds[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is more or less striped and banded, varying in colour from light olive green to chocolate brown[]. The surface of fresh wood often turns dark green upon exposure[]. The sapwood is mostly thin and light yellow in colour[]. The wood is fine textured, cross-grained, with an oily appearance and feel, mildly and pleasantly scented when warmed[]. Owing to its high density and the resinous nature of the timber, the wood dries slowly and needs careful handling to avoid splitting, it is also prone to ring shake[]. When seasoned, it is not easy to work either with machine or hand tools but does turn well in the lathe[]. The heartwood is very durable under exposure and will last indefinitely in the ground[]. There are reports that posts made from it have lasted for 300 years without rotting[]. Because of its high density and self-lubrication, the wood has many uses similar to that of Lignum vitae (Guaiacum officinale), but is not considered as suitable for propeller-shaft bushings[]. It is used as steps and collars for water turbines, mallet heads, pulley wheels, brush backs, locally for railway crossties[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings.
Layering.

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