Common Name:

General Information

Cariniana estrellensis is a semi-deciduous tree with a large, oval crown; it can grow 35 - 45 metres tall. The erect, cylindrical bole has a thick, fibrous bark, it can be 90 - 120cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for mainly local use of its timber and the fibre obtained from its bark. A magnificent, ornamental tree, but only suitable for very large gardens, parks etc[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Paraguay, eastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

A canopy tree of the rainforests, preferring deep, humid soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	40.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in subtropical to tropical areas.
Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade[].
A fairly fast-growing tree, reaching a height of about 2.5 metres after two years[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark is a source of fibre used for rough cloth etc[].
The following report is for the related Couratari tauari - it probably also applies to this species[].
The inner bark is extracted in thin layers, appearing somewhat like paper, and in this form has been used for wrapping cigarettes and cigars[]. It is also used for cordage, for rough clothing, and bedding by the natives of many South American countries[].
The bark is removed from the tree by means of a knife or other sharp instrument. Two cuts are made in the bark of the tree at different heights, surrounding the entire tree, and then another cut is made longitudinal to the first two. This section of the bark is then torn or stripped off the tree, it is pounded and then washed to separate the parenchyma from the fibre, thus obtaining a textile substance[]. In other cases the bark is loosened by continued blows or beating[]. The fibre is traditionally used to make clothing, blankets etc. Some of the blankets appear as if made from soft, pliable leather, others look like cotton. It is also used for mats, carpets, and to take the place of paper in wrapping cigarettes[]. One of the blankets made by beating the bark is described as being 180cm long and 270cm wide[].
The women of the tribe of the Churruyes, of Colombia, use the bark in the fashioning of a sort of garment called farquina, which is secured to the shoulders by strands of palm fibre, probably an Astrocaryum. 'The fibre is separated by blows and jerks into sheets, resembling cloth, which, when rubbed, washed, and exposed to the sun and dew, becomes light in colour and flexible.'' The garment is sometimes dyed red. Some of the Indians of Peru and Bolivia make shirts of the fibre; these being dyed in red and other colours[].

The heartwood is light brown to pinkish-brown; it is not clearly demarcated from the 1 - 3cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is fine; the grain straight. The wood is moderately heavy, soft to moderately hard, fairly durable, being resistant to fungi and termites, but susceptible to dry wood borers. Seasoning can be slow with a slight risk of distortion and checking; once dry it is stable in service. The wood has a fairly high blunting effect due to its silica content so stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; there is a tendency to woolliness; nailing and screwing are good, though pre-boring is required; gluing is correct. The wood has a range of uses, including for interior and exterior joinery, interior panelling, cabinet work, turnery, furniture, flooring, veneer etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semishaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of almost 95% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 12 - 25 days[]. When the seedlings reach a height of 6 - 8cm, transplant them into individual containers. Seedlings grow away quite quickly and are ready to plant out 6 - 8 months later[].

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