Common Name:

General Information

Matayba discolor is a semideciduous tree with a low, open crown; it can grow 4 - 7 metres tall. The crooked bole can be 15 - 25cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild as a local source of fuel. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native coastal woodland.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Coastal rainforest, mainly in open areas but also in more tree-covered sites; usually in dry places on very sandy soils that can be salty[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Usually found wild in dry, very sandy soils that can contain moderate levels of salt[]. Judging by its habitat, the plant should be tolerant of salt-laden winds[].
Young plants have a rapid rate of growth[].
The fruits are eaten avidly by the native birds[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that is tolerant of the dry, sandy soils and exposed positions of the coastal forest, and is also a good food source for the native birds; it can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland in coastal areas[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, irregular-grained, moderately heavy, slightly susceptible to wood-eating organisms. Because of its small size, it is generally only used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 80 - 100 days[].

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