Common Name: Palo Escrito

General Information

Dalbergia palo-escrito is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 35 metres tall with a bole up to 80cm in diameter[]
This species is a source of a high quality timber known as rosewood. It is harvested fom the wild on a large scale both for local use and to supply the international timber trade[]
Dalbergia palo-escrito has seen a significant population reduction of more than 70% in the early 21st century due to this demand for its timber both locally and internationally. There is also evidence to suggest that, historically, the plant used to have a much wider range in Mexico. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - central and southern Mexico

Habitat

A canopy tree in cloud forest, Juniperus and Pinus forest, Liquidambar and Cupressus forest, pine-oak forest, tropical deciduous forest, oak and Lonchocarpus forest[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The high quality wood obtained from this tree is a source of rosewood. It has a beautiful colour and veining and escellent properties of resonance and so is extensively used in cabinet making and also to make classical guitars that are principally for use in Mexico, whilst it is also used in general joinery[]. The wood is also exported to China in order to make high quality reproduction Ming and Quing dynasty style furniture[].

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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