Goniorrhachis
Goniorrhachis marginata

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

Goniorrhachis marginata is an evergreen tree with a globose canopy and straight, cylindrical bole that can be 70-90 cm in diameter. It usually grows up to 30 m tall. It is commonly found in South America. Fully established plants are tolerant to drought. The wood is of high quality and ideal for construction especially in exposed situations. It is very heavy, very hard, and highly durable.

Goniorrhachis marginata 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

Dryland forest and Atlantic rainforest, usually found in the more open, secondary formations.

S, America - eastern Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

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 medium-textured, straight to slightly cross-grained, very heavy, very hard, and of great durability even when exposed to the elements. It can be used for all types of construction, especially in exposed situations, flooring blocks and is considered to be one of the best woods for railway sleepers.

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

How it is grown

Grows best in a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Young plants have a moderate rate of growth. 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 - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can usually be expected from fresh seed, with the seed sprouting within 8 - 15 days. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 4 - 5 months later. The seed has a limited viability of less than 60 days in storage.

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

Its other names

Local names

Goniorrhachis

Synonyms

Goniorrhachis marginata var. marginata