Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia villosa is a semideciduous tree with an open crown; it can grow 8 - 12 metres tall. The ole is cylindrical and almost straight bole[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood and can be used as a pioneer in reforestation schemes. It has very attractive foliage and can be grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil in Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo.

Habitat

Semideciduous, broadleaved forests and the transition areas to savannah, mainly in secondary formations and usually restricted to well-drained, sandy soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in poor sandy soils[]. It grows in the wild in well-drained, sandy soils[].
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:

A natural pioneer species in its native range, it can be used in reforestation projects, especially in areas where the soils is sandy and dry[]. It only has a moderate growth rate, but fixes atmospheric nitrogen[].

Other Uses

The wood is slightly compact, moderately heavy, solid, of low natural durability and easy to work. It is used for cabinet making, interior work in house building, and for making toys and boxes[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a nursery seedbed in a partially shaded position. Germination rates are usually high, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25 days[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle. Seedlings grow away quite slowly[].
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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