Common Name:

General Information

Dasyphyllum spinescens is a spiny, evergreen shrub or tree with a rounded crown growing up to14 metres tall. The short bole, which can be densely covered in spines, is 40 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Mainly in areas of secondary forest growth, and also as an understorey shrub in Araucaria woodland, favouring moist or rocky soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Tolerant of direct sun, but generally preferring positions in lightly dappled shade[]. Prefers a moist soil[].
Young plants have a fast rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A plant of mainly secondary forest growth, it is a fast-growing species and so could be used as a pioneer species in reforestation projects for restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

The heartwood and sapwood are not clearly demarcated. The wood is moderately heavy with a low resistance to rot. It is only used for making light boxes[].
The wood makes an acceptable fuel and is also used for making charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. The seed is very small so is best sown on the surface of the soil and then gently watered into the soil, being careful not to wash it away. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 50 days[].

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