Common Name:

General Information

Ormosia krugii is an evergreen tree with a broad crown; it can grow to around 25 metres tall. The bole can be 60cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is little used other than as fuel and a source of beads. However, the wood is of reasonable quality and freely available within its native range and so should be suitable for a range of uses. The tree would probably make a good pioneer species for restoring woodland and is possibly suited for shade or ornament[].

Known Hazards

The plants, but especially the seed and perhaps also the bark, of many if not all species in this genus contain alkaloids and are toxic[].

Botanical References

Range

Caribbean - Puerto Rico to Dominica.

Habitat

Rainforest, at elevations from 100 - 880 metres[]. Usually found in the more open areas of secondary regrowth[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Apparently the trees are shallow rooted and easily blown over, as many are leaning or prostrate[].
Because of the rapid growth and vigorous sprouting of the trees in secondary forests, efforts are being made to find a better use for the wood[].
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

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree quickly invades open areas of secondary forest and has a fast rate of growth. It also fixes atmospheric nitrogen. These qualities suggest that it would make a very good pioneer species for restoring native woodland and also for establishing woodland gardens[].

Other Uses

We have seen no specific reports for this species, but the brightly coloured seeds of various members of this genus are so commonly used as beads that the various species are often called necklace trees[].

The heartwood is a uniform salmon colour with occasional darker streaks; it is distinctly demarcated from the yellowish sapwood. The wood is somewhat coarse-textured, of medium weight, with indistinct growth rings, and large open pores. It is very susceptible to damage by dry-wood termites. The rate of air-seasoning is slow, and amount of degrade is moderate. Machining characteristics are as follows: planing, shaping, sanding, and resistance to screw splitting are good; turning, boring, and mortising are fair. The wood is little used, but should be suitable for furniture, millwork, construction, boxes, crates, and general carpentry[].
The wood is used chiefly for fuel in Puerto Rico[]

Propagation

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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