Closely related to Platymiscium pinnatum, and considered conspecific with it by some authorities.

Common Name:

General Information

Platymiscium dimorphandrum is a large, deciduous tree with a spreading to rounded crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall. The bole can be 50 - 120cm in diameter[, ].
An important timber tree in Guatemala and Mexico[, ].
This taxon is not known to be specifically threatened or in decline, however, there are a number of threats to the habitats in which the species occurs. These include cattle grazing and logging, which have lead to the severe deterioration of the Chiapas depression dry forests. Migratory agriculture and a rapid increase in the human population has lead to habitat loss in the Central American dry forests. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

In its native environment, the tree is often infested with ants that bite painfully[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Central America - Costa Rica to southern Mexico.

Habitat

Wet or rather dry, mixed forest, at elevations up to 1,400 metres in Guatemala[]. Moist montane forest in Mexico[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in full sun[]. Grows best in a deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil[]. Established plants are fairly 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

Agroforestry Uses:

The strongly scented flowers attract large numbers of bees[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is rich red or reddish brown, uniform or with lighter or darker veining; the sapwood is thick, yellowish white[]. The wood is hard, heavy and highly durable; the grain roey; texture rather fine; not very difficult to work; finishes smoothly; takes a high polish[]. It is used locally for furniture and cabinetwork, and it has been exported to the United States for billiard cue butts and as a substitute for cocobolo in making tool handles[, ]. In Guatemala it is believed to be the favourite wood for making the keys of marimbas[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -

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