Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia madagascariensis is a deciduous tree usually growing up to 15 metres tall, but occasionally to 20 metres[].
The tree is selectively felled from the wild for its valuable timber, which is used locally and also exported[]. It has been described as one of the most heavily traded species of precious timber of Madagascar[]
A widespread species, but its forest habitat is in severe decline due to human activity and the trees are also selectively felled for their timber. Therefore it is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - northern and eastern Madagascar.

Habitat

Humid, evergreen forest, often along watercourses, at elevations up to 1,000 metres. Usually found on sandy soils and soils derived from igneous or basaltic rocks[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are mainly found in the wild growing in sany soils and on limestone escarpments[]. In cultivation they are likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun[].
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

Other Uses

The heartwood is yellow-brown to reddish brown, often with darker stripes; it is distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. One of the so-called rosewoods, it is much in demand for cabinet making, furniture, marquetry and parquet flooring. Locally it is also used for construction[].

Propagation

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[].
Softwood cuttings of many species, especially if taken from younger plants, will root in a well-drained, sandy medium in a closed case with bottom heat[].

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