Common Name:

General Information

Metternichia princeps is a semideciduous tree with a dense, pyramidal crown; it can grow 5 - 10 metres tall. The short bole can be 15 - 20cm in diameter[].
With its showy flowers, this is a very ornamental tree that can be used in urban landscaping, being suitable for planting under power lines in streets[].

Known Hazards

Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most plants in the family Solanaceae also contain poisonous alkaloids. Unless there are specific entries with information on edible uses, it would be unwise to ingest any part of this plant[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest, growing in the understorey and also in more open places, preferring sloping land with well-drained soil[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	7.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to moderate dappled shade[]. Usually found in the wild in well-drained soils[].
A fairly fast-growing plant when young, easily reaching a height of 2 metres or more within 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that is tolerant of full sun, it can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, easy to cut, very susceptible to the attacks of wood-eating organisms. It can be used to make light packing cases, toys and other simple objects[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of around 40% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25 days[].

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Captcha: if i have 3 bananas, and i eat them all, how many bananas did i just eat?