Faveiro, sucupira, sucupira-branca
Pterodon emarginatus
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
Pterodon emarginatus is a slow-growing, deciduous tree characterized by an ellipsoidal crown and more or less straight bole reaching up to 60cm in diameter. It grows up to 16m tall and is commonly found in South America. Rheumatism can be treated using an essential oil from the bark of this plant. 'Batata de sucupira', a tuberous swelling on the roots, is used in the treatment of diabetes. Oil from fruits is used to prevent the occurrence of diseases. There are no known edible uses of this plant. Wood is highly durable and has excellent mechanical properties. It is used in naval and general construction, bridges, poles, railway sleepers, etc. It is also used for fuel and to make charcoal.
Pterodon emarginatus is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) 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) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained 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): 12
Where it is found
Savannah and its transition to semideciduous forest, often in dense groups, characteristic of dry and sandy areas.
S. America - central, eastern and northern Brazil, Bolivia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Brazil; Bolivia, Plurinational State of
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 4
An essential oil obtained from the bark is applied externally to affected areas in the treatment of rheumatism. A tuberous swelling that is occasionally found on the roots, known as 'batata de sucupira', is used in the treatment of diabetes. The oil from the fruits has been shown to inhibit the penetration of Schistosoma cercariae (the larval stage that causes schistosomiasis) into the skin of humans. The oil can therefore be used as a prophylactic treatment to prevent the disease. This property is due to the presence of 14,15-epoxigeranylgeraniol in the oil.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Other
Rating: 3
Agroforestry Uses: Although slow-growing, this species makes a good component in planting schemes for restoring native woodland, especially in the drier areas of the cerrado and adjoining semideciduous forest. Other Uses The wood is compact, cross-grained, heavy, very hard, difficult to split, with excellent mechanical properties and very durable, even when in contact with the soil. It is used in naval construction, general construction, bridge stanchions, poles, railway sleepers, cart bodies etc. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.
Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position. Prefers the drier, sandy soils in the wild, but in cultivation can tolerate a wider range of conditions so long as the soil is well-drained. Established plants are very drought tolerant. A slow-growing tree when very young, though it does speed up somewhat after 2 - 3 years. Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Propagating it: Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing 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. Seedlings are very sensitive to root disturbance, so the seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A very low germination rate can be expected from untreated seed, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 50 days.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Faveiro - Portuguese (Brazil), sucupira - Portuguese (Brazil), sucupira-branca - Portuguese (Brazil). fava-de-santo-inácio, faveiro, sucupira, sucupira-branca.
Synonyms
Acosmium inornatum (Mohlenbr.) Yakovlev Commilobium polygalaeflorus Benth. Commilobium pubescens Ben