Common Name:

General Information

Earpod tree is a fast growing, deciduous tree with a wide crown; it can grow 20 - 35 metres tall[, , ]. The short bole can be irregular or cylindrical, it is 80 - 160cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber and medicinal uses. It is also often grown as an ornamental, being valued in particular for its seedpods, which are dark in colour and contorted into an ear-like shape[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern, central and eastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Humid subtropical forests and temperate humid forests[]. Rare in primary formations, it is much more common in secondary formations and recently cleared land[]. Found mainly in moist soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of tropical and subtropical areas.
Prefers a sunny position[].
A fast growing tree[].
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

The roots and the seedcoat are the source of a rapid working anthelmintic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A natural pioneer species within its native range, the tree can be used in reforestation schemes[].

Other Uses

The tree contains saponins[]. Parts of it are used as a soap substitute[]. The fruit contains saponins[].

An aqueous extract of the seeds produced 100% mortality in third stage mosquito larvae of Aedes aegypti[].

The heartwood is light brown to brown; it is clearly demarcated from the 3 - 6cm wide band of yellowish-white sapwood. The texture is coarse; the grain straight or interlocked. The wood is light to very light in weight; soft; flexible; not very durable, being resistant to dry wood borers but susceptible to fungi and termites. It seasons rapidly with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable to stable in service. The wood works well with ordinary tools; nailing and screwing are good; gluing is correct; it takes paints and varnishes readily; and finishes well. The wood has a range of applications, being used for panelling, interior joinery, light carpentry, furniture components, boxes and crates, open boats, matches, plywood and blockboard etc[, , ].

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 nursery seedbed or in individual containers in a semi-shaded position[]. A germination rate in excess of 25% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days[]. The seedlings should be ready to plant out about 4 months later[].

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