Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia purpurascens is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall, but is usually smaller[].
The wood is utilized locally for fuel, and is also exported with other rosewoods[]. It has been described as one of the most heavily traded species of precious timber of Madagascar[].
Dalbergia purpurascens produces a notably attractive high-quality rosewood. It is threatened by illegal selective felling for this timber for the international markey, as well as local utilization of its wood for construction, charcoal and fuel. It is also threatened by habitat loss and bush fires. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Madagascar.

Habitat

Deciduous, seasonally dry forest at elevations up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of lowland tropical areas where there is a distinct dry season.
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[].
A slow-growing tree, reaching a height of just 1 - 5 metres when 7 years old[].
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

Fresh wood chips are used in dyeing baths[].

The heartwood is dark-coloured, attractive and of high quality[]. The wood is a type of rosewood and is highly valued as an ornamental and strong wood. It is used in cabinet making, carpentry, railway sleepers and for carving[].
The wood is used locally as a fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing 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. Sow the seed in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of around 40 - 80% can be expected[]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 12 months later when about 50cm tall[].

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