Common Name:

General Information

Ouratea spectabilis is a deciduous tree with a globose or irregular and sparse crown; it can grow 4 - 5 metres tall. In very poor savannahs it is more commonly found as a shrub 1 - 2 metres tall. The crooked bole can be 15 - 25cm tall with a corky bark[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland and, being very ornamental when in bloom, it can be used for urban planting, being suitable for narrow streets and under power lines[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern, central and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Savannah and woodland savannah, favouring open areas at the bottom of slopes and in river valleys where the soil is deep and moist[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in a wide range of soils, preferring deep moist soils[]. The plant will succeed in poor, dry soils, but will be somewhat stunted[].
Plants are slow-growing, even when young[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Although slow-growing, this is a tough plant that grows in full sun and provides food for the native fauna. It can be used in planting schemes to restore savannah woodland[]

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, with moderate mechanical properties and not durable. Because of its small size, the wood is only used for purposes such as light cabinet making and lathe work[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within a few weeks[].

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