Common Name:

General Information

Virola oleifera is a semideciduous tree growing 20 - 30 metres tall. The bole, which is usually straight and cylindrical, can be free of branches for up to 21 metres and 50 - 90cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber. Potentially useful in reforestation projects, it is a very ornamental tree that is used successfully in landscaping projects in parks and large gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Venezuela.

Habitat

Mainly in dense, primary rainforest, but also regenerating in clearings and recently cleared or coppiced areas[]. Mainly in coastal rain forests, usually on wet, sandy-clay soils, rich in humus, usually at elevations of 800 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position, though young plants are more tolerant of shade[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is used in the treatment of dysentery, haemoptysis, leucorrhoea and blennorrhagia[].
The powdered bark is applied to the naval of newborn infants[].

The seeds are antiasthmatic, antidote, antispasmodic, stimulant and stomachic[].

An oil obtained from the seeds is applied externally to treat skin diseases, erysipelas, sores, neuralgia and rheumatism[].

Agroforestry Uses:

With its ability to regenerate in more open areas; and its fruit, which is very attractive to wildlife; this tree has potential for use as a pioneer in reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The seeds are rich in oil[]. It is used for making candles and soap[].

Cut or damaged trees exude a blood-red, watery latex that is similar to the kino of commerce[].

The heartwood is dark brown when freshly cut, turning to a light pinkish-brown on exposure; it is not distinct from the sapwood[]. The wood is soft, moderately heavy, generally of low resistance to rot but able to resist rot when underwater, susceptible to wood-eating insects[]. Growth rings are not usually distinct; the texture medium to fine; the grain fairly straight; lustre low; odour and taste not distinct[]. It planes to a smooth finish; carves and mortises well; takes nails and screws easily without splitting, and has good holding power; glues, polishes and varnishes well; turns satisfactorily[]. A good peeling timber, being used for plywood and veneer, it is also used in construction, general carpentry, cabinet making, boat making etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a limited viability and should be sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow in individual containers in a lightly shaded position. Germination rates are generally poor, the seed sprouting within 30 - 50 days[]. The seedlings grow away quite slowly[].

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