Common Name:

General Information

Sacoglottis guianensis is an evergreen tree with an oblong crown; it can grow 15 - 20 metres tall. The upright, cylindrical bole can be 40 - 70cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood and dyestuff. An ornamental plant, it could be used in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Amazon rainforest, in tall, dense formations that are not subject to periodic inundation as well as in more open formations on the plains; favouring well-drained soils that can range from sandy to clayey; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	17.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sunny position[]. Requires a well-drained soil, which can range in type from sandy to clayey[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The pulp has a sweet flavour when ripe[]. Very good eating[]. The fruit is a yellowish-brown, ellipsoid drupe that can be 40mm long and 30mm wide[].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is said to be antirheumatic and a treatment for gout[].

Other Uses

The bark contains 4% tannins[].
A red dye can be obtained from the bark[]. It turns a shiny black when ammonia is used as a mordant[]. It is used traditionally to paint bowls black[].

The wood is moderately heavy, of medium hardness, with good mechanical properties and very durable, even when exposed to the elements. It can be used in general constructions and for external purposes such as railway sleepers, poles and bridges[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of over 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 90 - 120 days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 6 - 7 months later[].
The seed has a short viability in storage[].

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