Brazilian Rosewood
Dalbergia nigra
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
Other common names are Bahia Rosewood, Jacaranda da Bahia, Rio Rosewood, Piano wood, Cabiuna, and Obuina. Found in South America, Brazilian Rosewood or Dalbergia nigra is a popular timber species used in high grade furniture and musical instruments especially pianos. It can also be used as ornamental tree and as pioneer species in restoring agroforestry. It is highly resistant to insect attacks. The wood is rose-scented, very heavy, and highly durable. It is considered as vulnerable species on the international IUCN Red List.
Dalbergia nigra is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Hygrophilous forest on rich soils. Well-drained soils on hillsides, both in the interior of dense, primary forests and also in secondary growth areas of the Atlantic rainforest.
S. America - 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
Agroforestry Uses: Although fairly slow growing, the tree is suitable for use in reforestation programmes within its native range, and is especially suited for use where the soil is dry. Other Uses: A very decorative and valuable wood that varies in colour from brown to chocolate brown or violet, streaked with black. It is rose-scented; straight grained; medium texture; very heavy; of high natural durability and has excellent working qualities. It is used for cabinet work, is particularly valued for pianos, luxury furniture, handles of fine tools, marquetry, billiard tables etc.
Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Prefers a sunny position. Succeeds in dry soils. Established plants are drought tolerant. The plant has a moderate rate of growth. 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.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days. Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 months. Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
bahia rosewood, brazilian rosewood, cabiúna-rajada, caviúna, jacaranda, jacarandá-cabiúna, jacarandá-caviúna, jacarandá-da-bahia, jacarandá-preto, jacarandá-roxo, jacarandá-una, palisandre, palisandro del brazil, rio rosewood, rosewood (brazilian)
Synonyms
Amerimnon nigrum (Vell.) Kuntze Pterocarpus niger Vell.