Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia mollis is a deciduous shrub or small tree usually growing up to 15 metres tall, with occasional specimens to 20 metres[].
The tree is selectively felled from the wild for its valuable wood which is a form of rosewood. It is used locally and also traded internationally.
Although fairly widespread and locally common in western Madagascar, larger trees have become rare because of selective felling for its high valued timber. It occurs in regions where the forest has become fragmented, with few protected areas. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - central and western Madagascar.

Habitat

Deciduous, seasonally dry forest and woodland, at elevations up to 700 metres, mainly on sandy soils[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Found on sandy soils in the wild[]. Established plants are drought tolerant. In cultivation they are likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is a form of rosewood. It is highly valued for construction, making expensive furniture, cabinet making, handicrafts etc[, ].

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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