Common Name:

General Information

Pityrocarpa moniliformis is a deciduous tree with a fairly open, roundish crown; it can grow 4 - 9 metres tall. The crooked bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. A natural and very effective pioneer species, it can be used to restore native woodland and establish woodland gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest and dryland forest, growing mainly in secondary formations and open areas, favouring fertile, alluvial soils, often with a high content of silica[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a fertile, alluvial soil, especially if sandy[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The plant self-sows very freely in open areas, to the extent that it is considered a weed of pastures by cattle ranchers[].
A fairly fast-growing plant when young, easily reaching a height of 2 metres within 2 years from seed[].
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:

A fast-growing small tree that fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it is a natural pioneer species and is an excellent choice for restoring native woodland and establishing woodland gardens in drier areas[, ].

Other Uses

An aqueous extract of the seeds produced 100% mortality in third stage mosquito larvae of Aedes aegypti[].

The wood is medium-textured, cross-grained, heavy, with moderate mechanical properties and of good durability. Because of its small dimensions it is only used locally for purposes such as construction, light cabinet making and tool handles[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and benefits from scarification before sowing 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. Sow the treated seed in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected if the seed is not treated, with the seed sprouting within 14 - 21 days[].

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