Common Name:

General Information

Swartzia flaemingii is an evergreen tree with an oblong, narrow crown; it can grow 8 - 20 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 40 - 50cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood.

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern and northern Brazil.

Habitat

Humid, upland primary forests, especially on deep clay soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun or light shade[]. Prefers a deep, clay soil in the wild[]. Plants are tolerant of occasional inundation of the soil[].
Newly planted young trees grow away fairly well[].
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

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, spiral-grained, heavy, moderately durable, difficult to cut[]. It is suitable for general construction such as beams, scantlings, planks, etc[].
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 individual containers in a partially shaded position. Germination rates of almost 100% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 50 days[].

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