Brazilian Boxwood, Guaranta
Esenbeckia leiocarpa

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Esenbeckia leiocarpa is a flowering plant belonging to the Rutaceae family that is native to Brazil. It is deciduous with a dense, rounded crown. It grows up to 30 m tall with a bole diameter of 40 cm. Due to its heavy and decay-resistant wood, it has been considered as 'vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Esenbeckia leiocarpa is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

Broadleaved, semideciduous forests, found only in dense, primary formations.

S. America - eastern and central Brazil.

Conservation Status: Status: Vulnerable A1cd

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other Uses: The wood is a uniform yellow with golden streaks. It is heavy, hard, compact, splits easily and is durable even when exposed. An excellent wood for external purposes, being used for piles in wet soils, poles, railway sleepers, posts, walking boards, stays, bridge beams, door and window frames, parquet flooring, tool handles etc.

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

How it is grown

Intolerant of a position in full sun. Trees have a moderate rate of growth, able to reach a height of 2 metres within 2 years from seed.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 60% can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25. When the seedlings are 4 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 8 - 10 months later.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

No synonyms are recorded for this name.