Common Name:

General Information

Nectandra nitidula is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a sparse, irregular crown; it can grow up to 8 metres tall. The more or less straight bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its useful timber and for its bark, which is used to make a tea. An elegant and ornamental tree, it can be used in landscaping and is particularly suitable for planting in narrow streets under power lines[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Gallery forests, mainly in the more open areas of secondary growth, favouring sandy, moist soils, at elevations from 800 - 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a moist, sandy soil[].
A fairly slow-growing tree, even when young, with plants reaching up to a height of 1.5 metres within 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

The aromatic bark is used to make a tea[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is thick-textured, moderately heavy, hard, with good mechanical properties and durable. It is used in general construction for purposes such as beams, scantlings and boards; for light cabinet making, lathe work and external applications such as poles, stakes, railway sleepers (of second quality) etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of less than 50% can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 50 days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 6 months later[].

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