Some authorities include Caesalpinia gardneriana (treated here as a distinct species) as no more than a synonym of this species[].

Common Name: Catingueira

General Information

Cenostigma pyramidale is a deciduous shrub or tree with a low, rounded crown; it can grow 4 - 10 metres tall[]. The short, straight bole is 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, dye plant and source of wood. The plant is very ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern, northeastern and northern Brazil.

Habitat

Dry forests and on the drier soils of humid floodplains, where it adopts a more shrub-like habit[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
Newly planted young trees establish well and grow away rapidly[].
Plants regenerate well when cut back or coppiced, but cannot tolerate fire[].
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

The bark and the flowers are used in the treatment of catarrhal infections and diarrhoea[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A very hardy plant, excellent for reforestation projects within its native range[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[, , ].

The wood is heavy, moderate texture, spiral-grained and highly resistant to rot[]. Because of its frequent holes, it is only used for posts and to frame rural houses[].
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 germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seeds germinating within 7 - 14 days[]. Young plants grow away rapidly and are soon ready for planting out[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve 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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