Common Name:

General Information

Moldenhawera blanchetiana is an evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow 8 - 18 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 35 - 45cm in diameter[].
The tree yields a low quality timber that is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use. Very ornamental when in flower, it has potential for use in landscaping in parks and large gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest and coastal forest, more commonly in open and secondary formations; favouring well-drained, sandy soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	13.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in moderately dense, dappled shade[]. Prefers a well-drained, sandy soil[].
Young plants have a moderately fast rate of growth, able to reach a height in excess of 2 metres within 2 years from seed[].
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

None known

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, spiral-grained, heavy, with moderate mechanical properties and low durability. Very susceptible to warping when drying, the wood is only suitable for use in general construction as beams, scantlings, partitions etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 20 days[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve 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[].

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