Common Name:

General Information

Diptychandra aurantiaca is a deciduous tree with an open, rounded crown; it can grow 8 - 14 metres tall. The straight bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter with a thick bark[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its durable wood. It can be used in reforestation schemes and, as an ornamental tree, it is suitable for use in general landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Semideciduous broadleaved forest and the transition to savannah, generally in open areas of secondary growth, less frequently in well-drained and dry soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	11.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[].
Trees 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

Agroforestry Uses:

A tree with a moderate rate of growth that is adapted to growing in full sunlight and fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it can be used as a pioneer species when establishing woodland[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is clearly demarcated from the thin band of sapwood. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, with very good mechanical properties and high durability even when exposed. It is very good for outdoor purposes such as posts, poles and railway sleepers; and is also used in house construction, lathe work, cart shafts etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 14 - 21 days[]. When the seedbed-sown seedlings are 2 - 4cm tall, pot them up into individual containers[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, 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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