Common Name:

General Information

Spirotheca rivieri is usually a deciduous tree, with branches often provided with prickles and a narrow dense crown; growing 6 - 9 metres tall. Sometimes, however, the plant adopts a more climbing habit with the prickly branches enveloping other trees, and supporting itself with the help of constricting roots. The smooth bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood and fibre. It is extremely ornamental when in bloom, and is certainly worthy of cultivation, but is currently little known[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest, preferring the dense, primary forests where it favours slopes, deep valleys and river sides; growing where the soil is humid and fertile[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in sun and in dappled shade[]. Prefers a moist, fertile soil[].
A slow-growing tree[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for tying[].

The wood is light in weight, soft, easy to work with, with poor mechanical properties and not durable. It is only used for low value items such as linings, boxes, toys etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of less than 60% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within a few days[].

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