Common Name:

General Information

Swartzia dipetala is an evergreen tree with a globose crown; it can grow 5 - 30 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be 40 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its timber. It is also a potential pioneer species.

Known Hazards

The sawdust from wood of plants in this genus can be irritating to mill workers[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana.

Habitat

Rainforests, with a distinct preference for moist, sandy soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in full sun or light shade[]. Tolerant of occasionally inundated soils[].
A fast-growing tree[].
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

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing plant with fruit that is attractive to the native fauna, it is a natural pioneer within its native range and could be suitable for use as a pioneer in reforestation and agroforestry projects[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, irregular-grained, heavy, hard and durable[]. It is suitable for general interior construction[].
We have no more information on the wood of this species. However, a general description of the wood from plants in this genus is as follows:-
The heartwood is dark brown, reddish-brown, or nearly black, in solid colour or somewhat variegated; it is sharply demarcated from the nearly white to yellowish sapwood. The texture is very fine to medium; the grain straight to irregular; lustre is usually medium; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and resistant to dry-wood termites, though it is not resistant to marine borers. The wood is generally reported to be moderately difficult to air dry because of checking and warp. It is difficult to work because of its high density, but it finishes very smoothly and takes a high polish. It is used for purposes such as inlay, parquet flooring, turnery, furniture, cabinetwork, violin bows, specialty items; and has been suggested as a substitute for ebony[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed[]. A germination rate of around 50% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 60 - 90 days[]. Seedlings grow away rapidly[].

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