All species formerly considered to belong to the genus Sclerolobium have been moved to Tachigali in line with the treatment by Henk van der Werff in 'A Synopsis of the Genus Tachigali (Leguminosae; Caesalpinioideae) in Northern South America', Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden Vol. 95, pp 618 - 660, 2008.

Common Name:

General Information

Tachigali paniculata is a tree with a dense, round crown; it can grow up to 36 metres tall. The bole is straight and cylindrical; it can be free of branches for around half of its height, up to 70cm in diameter with strong buttresses[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, and for local use as a medicine.
Tachigali paniculata is widespread in its natural range, many subpopulations are known to occur within the protected areas network and no major threats are known to affect the species dynamics at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

Known Hazards

The leaf petioles are often hollow and inhabited by agressively stinging ants[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Rain and riverine forests, also on forested slopes[]. Lowland dense forests, in areas not subject to seasonal inundation[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	29.00 m
Cultivation Status	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

None known

Medicinal

A cold water infusion of the stem bark is used as a treatment for stomachache[].

The plant is used as a pain reliever or stimulant[].

Indole alkyl amines are present in small amounts[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark brown; it is fairly well defined from the lustrous, yellowish-brown sapwood. The texture is medium to fairly coarse; the grain straight; there is no characteristic odour or taste. The wood is heavy; hard; tough; and durable, being resistant to insect attacks. It checks in drying. The wood takes a smooth finish. It is used for posts in the construction of huts[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

The trees of many members of this genus yield a wood suitable for light construction, known in the trade as 'tachi'[]. We do not have any more specific information for the wood of this species, but a general description of tachi wood is as follows:-
The wood is light brown; it is clearly demarcated from the 3 - 6cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight or slightly interlocked. The wood is light to moderately heavy; soft to moderately hard; not very durable in one report[], durable in another[]. It seasons at a nornal rate with only a slight risk of distortion, but a high risk of checking; once dry it is poorly stable in service. It is fairly easy to work, but sawn surfaces can be somewhat fuzzy - stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; nailing and screwing are good, but require pre-boring. The wood is used for purposes such as interior panelling and joinery, furniture components, light carpentry, crates and boxes[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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