Common Name:

General Information

Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum is an evergreen tree with a wide-spreading, flat and low crown; it can grow 4 - 8 metres tall[]. The short, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
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. The tree is quite ornamental when in bloom and is suitable for use in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Surinam, Venezuela.

Habitat

Rainforest, usually on dry sites that do not become inundated, in primary forest and areas that have been cut down and allowed to regrow[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 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 quite quickly[].
There are conflicting reports on whether or not this tree has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, so it is unclear as to whether this tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark has the same medicinal uses as Stryphnodendron adstringens[]. These are as follows:-

The bark is 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[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is of medium texture, soft, moderately heavy, not resistant and not very durable[]. It is used for cabinet making, decorative laminations, tool handles, carving, making hardboard etc[].
The wood is used as a fuel and for 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 - best sown as soon as it is ripe. The seed germinates better if it is first soaked for 12 - 24 hours in warm water or is scarified by making a small nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the seed)[]. Sow the seed in a nursery seedbed in a sunny position in well-drained soil[]. The germination rate is usually low, with the seeds sprouting in 3 - 3 weeks[].

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