Common Name:

General Information

Parapiptadenia pterosperma is a semideciduous tree with a fairly dense, roundish crown; it can grow 12 - 20 metres tall. The straight and more or less cylindrical bole can be 30 - 80cm in diameter[].
The tree produces a useful timber and so is often harvested from the wild. An ornamental tree, it can be used in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil, ?Bolivia.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest, in both dense primary forest and the more pen, secondary formations, favouring well-drained, alluvial soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	16.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to fairly dense shade[]. Prefers a moist, well-drained, fertile soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
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 thick-textured, wavy-grained, heavy, with good mechanical properties and quite durable. It is used in general construction for purposes such as scantlings and beams; for making furniture; window and door frames; wheels, shoe lasts, truck and cart bodies[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 40days[].
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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