Common Name:

General Information

Platymiscium floribundum is a semievergreen tree with an elongated, vase-shaped crown; it can grow 10 - 25 metres tall. The straight bole can be 40 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its good quality wood. A very ornamental tree, especially when in bloom, it can be used in landscaping and has potential for use in reforestation projects[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern and central Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest, nearly always in dense primary forest, favouring moist locations on river banks in gallery forests, on alluvial plains subject to inundation, lowlands and the bases of slopes, at elevations up to 700 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees, Wasps, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position with some shade[]. Grows best in a moist, fertile soil[].
A slow-growing tree[].
The young branches and leaf internodes are inhabited by aggressive ants, which cultivate scale bugs in the internodes[].
The sap has a strong smell rather like sweet peas[].
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 tree has potential for use in reforestation projects[].
The flowers are strongly scented and attract large numbers of bees and wasps[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is brown; it is distinctly demacated from the creamish-coloured sapwood. The wood is medium-textured, irregular-grained, moderately heavy, very hard, with good mechanical properties, resistant to the attacks of wood-eating organisms. A good quality wood, it is used for fine cabinet work, veneer, wainscotings, lathe work, carving, tool handles and for various purposes in construction including rafters, beams, door and window frames etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a very short period of viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A high germination rate can be expected from fresh seeds, with the seed sprouting within 8 - 14 days[]. The seedlings grow away quite slowly and they should be ready to plant out 8 - 9 months later[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: Type the digit seven into the box