Common Name: Ibiraro

General Information

Pterogyne nitens is a deciduous tree with an open, rounded crown growing 10 - 25 metres tall, exceptionally to 30 metres[, ]. The bole is usually about 40 - 60cm in diameter, but exceptionally to 120cm[, ].
The tree is valued for its wood, which is logged from the wild and traded internationally. It can be used in reforestation projects and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental[].
The species is under threat from several quarters - its habitat is unprotected and in decline because of logging and encroaching agriculture and pastoralism; it is sought-after as a source of timber; in Bolivia it is one of several species, native to semi-deciduous forest in eastern Santa Cruz, which are experiencing increased logging pressure[]. The tree has been classified as 'Nearly Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2010)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Seasonally dry forests[]. Broadleafed, semi-deciduous forests[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pterogyne nitens is a plant of subtropical to tropical areas, where it is found at elevations from about 80 metres to 1,400 metres. It grows in areas where there is a well-defined dry season[].
Grows best in a sunny position. Succeeds in a range of soil types[].
Young plants normally establish well and grow away quickly, reaching a height of 4 metres within 2 years[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it is a natural pioneer species and can be used in reforestation programmes[].
The root system protects the soil from wind and water erosion, and the leaf litter enriches the surrounding soil[].
The tree offers little shade and is unlikely to deleteriously affect other crops[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is pinkish brown, becoming darker upon exposure to air; it is not distinctly demarcated from the yellowish-brown sapwood. The wood is suggestive of mahogany, often with darker striping. The texture is medium; the grain straight to interlocked; lustre is bright; taste is slightly bitter, aroma is distinctive. The wood is moderately heavy, tough, strong and hard; it is not very durable, especially if in contact with the soil. It is easy to work and plane, producing a good finish. The wood is used for cabinet work, furniture, interior finish of buildings, wheelwright work, cooperage, railway ties etc[, , , ].
The branches are used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, either into nursery seedbeds or individual containers[]. A germination rate of over 60% is usually obtained within 10 - 35 days[]. Seedlings develop quickly and are usually ready for planting into permanent positions in 4 - 5 months[].

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