Common Name:

General Information

Centrolobium tomentosum is a deciduous tree with a dense, spreading crown; it can grow 10 - 22 metres tall. The bole can be 30 - 60cm in diameter, with prominent buttresses[, ].
The decorative wood is greatly valued for cabinet making, so the tree is commonly harvested from the wild[]. It can be grown as a pioneer species for restoring woodland and, being very ornamental when in bloom, is suitable for planting along streets, in squares and parks, though it has the disadvantage that its thorny seeds can be dispersed over long distances by the wind[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Semideciduous forests, most commonly in the dense primary forest but also occurring in the earlier stages of secondary woodland; favouring rocky hillsides[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	16.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A fast-growing plant, able to reach a height of 4 - 5 metres within 2 years from seed[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A pioneer species, fast-growing and able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, it can be used in reforestation projects for restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is a red-orange; the sapwood is yellowish. The grain is straight to irregular; the wood has a peculiar smell. It is moderately heavy, flexible, of high durability in adverse conditions. It has twisted fibres and is a bit hard, but is easy to work with hand tools. A very decorative wood, it is used for cabinet making, furniture, ship building, indoor and outdoor hydraulic work, beams, canoes, wagons, general carpentry etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of virtually 100% can be expected for fresh seed, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25 days[]. Seedlings grow away quickly, and they should be ready to plant out less than 6 months later.

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