Common Name:

General Information

Swartzia simplex is an evergreen tree of irregular and often asymmetrical form, growing 5 - 15 metres tall. The crooked, irregular bole is 10 - 40cm in diameter[]. Trees growing in the deep forest, where they receive little direct sunlight, tend to possess thin crowns that are open and irregular in form. However, where insolation levels are higher, this species can develop a thick, symmetrical, and full canopy of leaves[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a local source of food and wood. With its attractive blossoms, showy fruits, and ability to grow in a variety of habitats, the tree is suitable for use as an ornamental[].
Swartzia simplex is a widespread species, known to occur in protected areas and its population is believed to be stable at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela; Caribbean - Trinidad, Windward and Leeward Isles; C. America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitat

An understorey tree in shady, primary forests, it is also found in the drier, brighter conditions of the secondary forest and sometimes also in dry forest and scrub. It grows in humid or very wet climates at low to medium elevations[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Fruit - raw[]. The fruit is red when mature, containing rounded, black seeds that are imbedded in a thin layer of a white, edible pulp[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark brown; it is clearly demarcated from the thick band of white or pale yellow sapwood. The grain is straight or interlocked; the texture very fine; there is a slightly foetid odour when it is freshly cut. The wood is heavy, hard, compact, strong and durable. It is not difficult to work, takes a smooth and fairly lustrous finish[, ]. The wood is used in heavy construction, fencing posts and to make handles for tools and tajonas[].

Propagation

Seed -

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