Astronium
Astronium balansae

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

Astronium balansae is a deciduous, flowering tree native to Argentina and Paraguay. It has a large, open crown and a crooked bole that often branches from low down. It grows 5-25 m tall with up to 120cm bole diameter. Tannins can be obtained from the tree's bark and wood. The wood is also a great fuel source. It is very heavy, hard, and resistant to insect attacks. It is also an ornamental tree.

Astronium balansae is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

In southern Brazil it is found growing in almost pure stands on level basaltic outcrops that are almost devoid of soil. Wet forests in Argentina and Paraguay, favouring well-drained, sandy soils.

S. America - northern Argentina, Paraguay, southern Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Coming Soon

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Other Uses The bark and wood are a source of tannins. The wood contains up to 16% tannins. The heartwood is pale to dark grey when fresh, turning to dark brown on exposure with dark stripes; it is distinctly demarcated from the narrow band of yellowish sapwood. The texture is fine and even; grain is wavy, sometimes interlocked; lustre is low; taste and odour absent. The wood is very heavy; extremely hard and difficult to cut; and exceptionally resistant to insect attacks even when exposed to the elements. Working properties are variable; it finishes well; is difficult to nail and pre-boring is necessary for good results. It can be used for various outdoor purposes including railway sleepers, posts, bridge beams and door and window frames. The wood is a very good fuel and produces an excellent charcoal.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.

Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Found mainly at lower elevations in the subtropical areas of northern Argentina, southern Brazil and Paraguay, though there is one report of it growing outside its native range in Lima, Peru, which is about 12' south, at an elevation of 240 metres. Grows best in a sunny position. Prefers a well-drained, sandy soil. Established plants are drought tolerant.

Propagating it: Seed - it needs to be sown in a nursery seedbed as soon as it is ripe. Germination takes 6 - 32 days and the young plants will be ready for planting out 9 - 10 months later.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Astronium or Astronium balansae

Synonyms

Myracrodruon balansae (Engl.) Santin