Common Name:

General Information

Eschweilera ovata is usually an evergreen tree with a dense, pyramidal crown; it can grow 4 - 19 metres tall, though when growing near the coast it can be a shrub just 1 - 3 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 40 - 60cm in diameter with a thick bark[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its edible seed and useful wood. The wood is also traded. An ornamental tree, it can be used in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central, eastern and northern Brazil.

Habitat

Rainforests, coastal rainforests and the transition to savannah, found in both primary and secondary formations; favouring well-drained terrains[]. When growing near the coast it is more often only a shrub 1 - 3 metres tall[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sunny position[]. Requires a well-drained soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

Seed[]. The globose seeds are about 2cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree has a moderate rate of growth, succeeds in full sun and provides food for humans and other creatures. It can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is compact, uniform, heavy, moderately hard, with good mechanical properties and moderately durable. It has proved to be very resistant to the attacks of marine borers. It can be used in naval and general construction, for railway sleepers, fence posts, stakes, cabinet making etc[, ].
We do not have any more specific information for this species, but the general description for the wood of this genus is as follows:-
The heartwood of most species is light brown, grayish-brown, reddish-brown, or brownish-buff, sometimes with black streaks; it is usually distinct from the yellowish sapwood. The texture is fine and uniform; the grain typically straight; lustre is low; there is no distinctive odour or taste. Depending on the species, silica content may be as high as 2.4%. Most species are highly resistant to attack by both brown-rot and white-rot fungi. Also most of the species have gained wide recognition for their high degree of resistance to marine-borer attack. Resistance to dry-wood termite attack is variable, depending on species. The wood is rated as fairly difficult to air season, drying rates are slow to moderate. Warp and checking are rated as slight to moderate, depending on species. Most of the species are difficult to work because of the high density and high silica content (excepting E. Tenax); specially tipped cutters are suggested. They can be used for purposes such as marine and other heavy construction, industrial flooring, pulpmill
equipment, railroad crossties, piling, and turnery[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 28 - 35 days[].

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