Common Name:

General Information

Stryphnodendron adstringens is a small, deciduous tree with a dense, globular crown; it can grow 4 - 5 metres tall. The bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The bark is a popular medicine in Brazil, where it is commonly used to treat wounds, infections etc. The bark is gathered from the wild on a commercial scale as a source of tannins. The tree is considered to be very ornamental, mainly due to the shape of its canopy and ornamental foliage - it is used in landscaping and for planting along narrow streets[].

Known Hazards

The seedpods can cause photosensitivity in cattle[].
The seeds are considered to be poisonous[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

A characteristic plant of savannahs and open woodland, often growing on slopes and found in areas of secondary growth as well as in primary woodland[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Prefers a well-drained, sandy soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Young trees are slow to become established when planted out, rarely growing more than 2.5 metres tall after 2 years[].
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

The bark is antiinflammatory, strongly astringent, haemostatic, styptic and vulnerary due to the presence of tannins[, , ]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery; haemorrhages of the uterus, leucorrhoea[, ].
Applied externally, the bark is used to treat wounds, ulcers and various skin problems[, ]. It is used as a vaginal douche to treat yeast infestations[]. As eye drops, it is used to treat conjunctivitis[]. An ointment prepared from a decoction of the bark is used successfully in preventing burns caused by radiation treatment[].
One of the trees many common names, Virgin's Bark, derives from the use made of it by prostitutes[].

The seedpods are equally rich in tannin and have similar uses[].

The leaves are tonic[, ].

In trials, the tannins in the bark have been shown to have effective antifungal action against the yeasts causing candida[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree has been recommended for use as a pioneer species in reforestation projects within its native range[].

Other Uses

The bark and seedpods contain a high percentage of tannins[]. There is up to 25% tannin in the bark[].

A red dye is obtained from the bark[]. It can be used to make a red ink[].

The heartwood is red with dark marks[]. The wood is cross-grained, heavy, hard and of high durability even under adverse conditions[]. It is used in construction, various forms of outdoor work that require durability even in moist places, lathe work and cabinet making[, ].

Propagation

Seed - when sown fresh it requires no pre-treatment[]. Sow the seeds direct into individual containers and keep in semi-shade. The germination rate is usually high, with the seed usually sprouting within 15 - 30 days[]. Seedlings develop slowly, taking 10 - 11 months before they are ready to plant out[].

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