Common Name:

General Information

Swartzia oblata is an evergreen tree with an ample, globose crown; it can grow 10 - 14 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 45cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. An ornamental tree, it is suitable for urban planting and 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, usually on slopes or in valley bottoms, on well-drained or moist soils of good quality[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in sunny positions and dappled shade[]. Prefers a well-drained soil, but tolerant of occasionally waterlogged conditions[].
Newly planted young trees grow away moderately 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 soft, heavy, of low durability, easy to work. It is suitable for internal use in general construction, boxes, tool handles etc[].
The wood is used for fuel[].
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, either in a nursery bed or in individual containers[]. A germination rate of more than 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 35 days[].

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