Common Name:

General Information

Maprounea guianensis is an evergreen shrub or tree with a dense, globose, very characteristic crown growing 4 - 14 metres tall. The short, cylindrical bole is usually slightly grooved and can be 30 - 50cm in diameter. Usually a tree, when growing on the savannah it is sometimes no more than a shrub[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood and ink. It is an ornamental plant that furnishes a good shade[].

Known Hazards

The plant is said to be toxic, but to be used medicinally in small doses[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama; Caribbean - Trinidad and Tobago.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of habitats including savannah, semideciduous forests and rainforests, growing mainly in primary and secondary forest formations where it prefers well-drained, clay soils on gentle slopes[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant, but especially the roots, is said to have medicinal properties, but can be toxic in excessive doses[].

Other Uses

A black ink is obtained from the tree (part not specified)[].

The wood is fine to medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, soft, with moderate mechanical properties and low durability. It is used for internal work in general construction, as filling for plywood and to make boxes and tool handles[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 14 - 21 days[].

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