Common Name:

General Information

Curitiba prismatica is an evergreen tree with a very characteristic, dense, narrow, pyramidal crown; it can grow 4 - 12 metres tall. In some areas it becomes no more than a shrub 1- 2 metres tall. The normally cylindrical bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland. Very ornamental, valued especially for its pyramidal crown and shiny foliage, it can be used in landscaping, mainly for urban planting[].
Curitiba prismatica has a restricted geographical distribution and there has been severe fragmentation of its populations. It occurs in an environment marked by agropastoral, mining, urbanization and forestry activities, with less than 13% of its native forest remaining.
Despite the species being found in several conservation units and being involved in reintroduction and population enrichment projects, a continuous decline in habitat quality and in the number of mature individuals is recorded, with an estimated reduction of 42% of its population. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern Brazil (Santa Catarina, Paraná).

Habitat

Araucaria forest, open areas and woodland at higher elevations; growing mainly on woodland edges, open areas in the plains and the undergrowth of Araucaria forests; at elevations from 750 - 1,050 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Tolerant of full sun and providing food for the native fauna, the plant can be used as a pioneer plant when restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, hard, with moderate mechanical properties and of good durability[]. It is used locally in general construction, making tool handles and for external purposes such as fence posts[, ].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within a few weeks[].

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