Common Name:

General Information

Cenostigma macrophyllum is a semideciduous tree with a dense, elongate or pyramidal crown; it can grow 6 - 16 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[].
The tree produces a good quality timber and so is commonly harvested from the wild. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden[]. An ornamental tree when in bloom, it is used successfully in urban landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern, central and northern Brazil.

Habitat

The more open areas of secondary growth in dryland Amazon rainforest; savannah and the transition to savannah; favouring gentle slopes with well-drained, fertile soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	11.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a well-drained, fertile soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The plant is quite fast-growing when young, able to reach a height of 2.5 metres within 2 years from seed[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that grows best in full sun, it can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden[].

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard to cut, with good mechanical properties and very durable. It is used in general construction, cabinet making, lathe work and hydraulic work[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can be expected from fresh seed, with the seed sprouting within 14 - 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[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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