Common Name:

General Information

Swartzia langsdorffii is an evergreen tree with a dense, oblong crown; it can grow 8 - 14 metres tall. The short bole is slightly crooked, 40 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber. An ornamental tree, especially when in bloom, it casts a good shade and is suitable for general landscaping[].

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dense primary forests[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in some shade[].
Newly planted young trees grow away quite slowly[].
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

A very ornamental wood, it is moderately heavy, fairly durable and easy to work. It is used in house building, for internal and external construction, cabinet making, carpentry 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 semi-shaded position[]. A high germination rate can be expected when fresh seeds are sown, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 20 days[]. Seedlings grow away quite slowly, but are ready to plant out after 8 - 9 months[].

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