Grazielodendron
Grazielodendron riodocensis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

Grazielodendron riodocensis is a semi deciduous, slow growing, flowering tree with an erect crown. It grows up to 15 - 30 m tall and has a straight, cylindrical bole of up to 70 cm in diameter. It is usually grown in South America particularly in eastern Brazil. It yields high quality timber used for making furniture and cabinet, and in general construction.

Grazielodendron riodocensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 23 m (75ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. 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 semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 23

Where it is found

An upper canopy tree in the dense, primary formations of the Atlantic rainforest.

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other Uses: The wood is medium-textured, irregular-grained, heavy, hard to cut, with good mechanical properties and durable. It is used for making fine furniture, cabinet making and general construction.

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

Young trees require the dappled shade of the forest, but become more light-demanding as they grow larger. Prefers a moist soil. A slow-growing plant, even when small. 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 germination rate in excess of 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 40 days. 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 and improve 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: Slow

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Grazielodendron

Synonyms

No synonyms are recorded for this name.