Common Name:

General Information

Dimorphandra macrostachya is an evergreen tree with an ample, dense, globose crown; it can grow 10 - 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 40 - 80cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It provides a good shade and can be used in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Amazon rainforest in areas not subject to periodic inundation, growing in both dense primary formations and the more open, secondary growth areas, favouring moist soils of humus-rich, white sands[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to fairly dense shade[]. Found in the wild in moist, humus-rich, white sandy soils[].
Young plants have 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

Other Uses

The wood is thick-textured, cross-grained, moderately heavy, soft, with moderate mechanical properties and low durability. It is used for internal applications in general construction, for purposes such as ceilings and division boards; for making toys and boxes[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of more than 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[]. The seedlings can be planted out when they are 30 - 40cm tall[].
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[].

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