Eburneum
Aspidosperma eburneum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

Aspidosperma eburneum is an evergreen tree that is widely harvested from the wild for its highly valued timber. It grows up to 20 m in height and it is commonly found in Brazil. The wood is an excellent substitute for West Indian satinwood or Xanthoxylum. It is used in cabinet-making, mathematical scales, and for engraving uses. Freshly cut wood has toxic effects causing irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Aspidosperma eburneum is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 20

Where it is found

Forests.

S. America - 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). This wood is of the brightest yellow satinwood colour, and has an exceptionally close and smooth compact grain. It very closely resembles West Indian satinwood (Xanthoxylum), except that the grain is closer and finer. It would provide an excellent substitute for the latter. It is highly prized for cabinet work, mathematical scales, and for engraving purposes.

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.

How it is grown

Not known

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The freshly cut wood and sap of Aspidosperma species causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, with general malaise. The sawdust, on contact with abraded skin, produces local burning and a vesicular eruption with general symptoms of muscular weakness and cramps, sweating, dryness of the mouth, and faintness. Once the wood is thoroughly dry it loses its toxicity unless polishes or dyes in organic solvents are used on it

Its other names

Local names

Eburneum or Aspidosperma eburneum

Synonyms

Aspidosperma compactinervium Kuhlm. Aspidosperma pruinosum Markgr.