Common Name: Brazilian Rosewood

General Information

Dalbergia nigra is a deciduous tree with a light crown; it can grow 15 - 25 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 40 - 80cm in diameter[].
One of the most highly prized woods in Brazil, the timber has been harvested since colonial times for high-quality furniture and musical instruments, especially pianos[]. It is one of 33 species named as being a suitable Hongmu (red wood) timber, used for producing high quality Chinese furniture following traditions from the Ming and Quing dynasty, which makes it a particularly valuable wood[].A very ornamental tree, used in landscaping, it can also be used as a pioneer in reforestation projects[].
Rates of deforestation are great and regeneration appears to be poor, possibly because of seed predation by rodents. Consequently, the tree has been classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil.

Habitat

Hygrophilous forest on rich soils[]. Well-drained soils on hillsides, both in the interior of dense, primary forests and also in secondary growth areas of the Atlantic rainforest[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	0.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The plant has a moderate rate of growth[].
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:

Although fairly slow growing, the tree is suitable for use in reforestation programmes within its native range, and is especially suited for use where the soil is dry[].

Other Uses

A very decorative and valuable wood that varies in colour from brown to chocolate brown or violet, streaked with black[]. It is rose-scented; straight grained; medium texture; very heavy; of high natural durability and has excellent working qualities[]. It is used for cabinet work, is particularly valued for pianos, luxury furniture, handles of fine tools, marquetry, billiard tables etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days[]. Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 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[].
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[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is half of 100?