Common Name:

General Information

Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is a small, deciduous tree with a roundish crown; it can grow 4 - 6 metres tall. The crooked bole is more or less cylindrical, about 20 - 30cm in diameter with a thick, fissured bark[].
The bark is commonly used in Brazil to treat wounds and various skin problems. The bark is also a source of tannins, dyestuff and ink. A small, ornamental tree, it has been recommended for planting in narrow streets and under electrical wiring[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Open woodland and fields in savannahs, often in secondary formations and also often on poor but well-drained soils[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in sandy and clay soils, so long as they are well-drained, it is also often found growing in poor soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Freshly planted young trees grow away fairly well[].
Trees respond well to coppicing[].
With their thick bark, they are resistant to fires and are also capable of resprouting from the base if the top is too severely burnt[].
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 antibacterial, 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[].
Applied externally, the bark is used to treat wounds, ulcers and various skin problems[].
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[].

The bark contains 11% tannins[]. In comparative trials with Stryphnodendron obovatum, it has been shown to have effective antibacterial and antioxidant properties and to increase the rate of wound healing. Although it contained less tannins, it was more effective than Stryphnodendron obovatum[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A pioneer species in its native habitat, where it readily invades pastures and is considered a weed by cattle ranchers[]. Although not tremendously fast-growing, it has been recommended for reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The wood is of medium texture; fibrous in appearance; moderately heavy, more or less resistant; not durable[]. It is used for cabinet making, ornamental work, decorative laminated plates, carving etc[].
The wood is used for fuel and making charcoal[].

The following uses for Stryphnodendron adstringens also apply to this species[].

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[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a nursery seedbed in a sunny position in well-drained soil[]. The germination rate is usually low, with the seeds sprouting in 10 - 15 days[].

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