There has been considerable confusion over this genus, with one to three species being recognised. We have followed the treatment in Sida, volume 15, which recognises two species - this one from coastal Brazil and Phyllostylon rhamnoides, which ranges from Argentina to Mexico. It has been assumed that the uses of the wood are similar for the two species[].

Common Name: Pau Branco

General Information

Pau branco is a tree growing from 5 - 13 metres tall[].
The trees are harvested from the wild for their wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is lemon-yellow, sometimes with a tinge of brown, occasionally with dark streaks; it is not clearly defined from the sapwood, which is yellowish or nearly white[, ]. The wood is hard and heavy; the texture is fine and uniform; the grain fairly straight but sometimes irregular; without distinctive odour or taste; highly resistant to insect attack[, ]. The wood is reported to be not difficult to work; readily turned and carved; it can be stained satisfactorily and takes a high polish[]. It glues well, holds nails and screws well although pre-boring is advisable with thin stock[]. It has been suggested as a substitute for boxwood (Buxus spp.)[].

Propagation

Seed -

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