Common Name:

General Information

Cenostigma tocantinum is an evergreen tree with a very dense, wide, oval crown; it can grow 4 - 20 metres tall. The crooked bole can be 20 - 35cm in diameter[].
The tree yields a useful timber and so is often harvested from the wild. It is also the source of a dye and can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden. An ornamental tree, both for its floral display and also for its interesting trunk, it is often used as a street tree in Brazil, being especially planted in bus stations[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Brazil.

Habitat

Amazon rainforest, in areas not subject to seasonal inundation, usually in more open areas, favouring moist soils that can range from clayey to sandy[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to dappled shade[]. Requires a moist soil that can range from sandy to clayey[].
A fast-growing tree when young[].
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 is tolerant of a range of soils and succeeds in full sun, it can be grown as a pioneer when restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden[].

Other Uses

An olive-green dye can be extracted from the wood[].

The wood is medium-textured, heavy, hard, with good mechanical properties and very durable, even when exposed to the elements[]. It is used in general construction for purposes such as beams, scantlings and laths; and also for a range of external purposes[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can be expected from fresh seed, with the seed sprouting within 4 - 7 days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 4 - 5 months later[].
The seed has a viability in storage of more than 12 months[].
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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