Peroba Rosa
Aspidosperma polyneuron
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
Peroba rosa or Aspidosperma polyneuron is an evergreen tree that has an oblong crown and a straight cylindrical bole of up to 90 cm in diameter. The tree can grow up to 8-30 meters in height when fully matured. It functions as both an ornamental tree and a timber tree. The wood is highly valued for its heavy and durable characteristics and is primarily used for general construction. The bark has medicinal uses. It is an astringent and antipyretic.
Aspidosperma polyneuron is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
A species of tropical, lowland to submontane moist forest. It occurs in various forest types in moderately humid areas from low to medium elevations. It can be dominant in the understory of Araucaria forest.
S. America - Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Colombia.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Countries/locations it is found in
Coming Soon
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The bark is antipyretic, astringent and bitter.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
Other
Rating: 4
Other uses rating: High (4/5). Other Uses The heartwood is rose-red to orange or yellowish with some darker streaks; the sapwood a dull gray-white. The texture is fine, compact, but with a rough surface; the grain is straight to interlocked; lustre is bright; there is no distinct taste or odour. The wood is heavy, hard, uniform, with excellent mechanical properties and very durable if kept dry. It works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderate blunting effect; it finishes well. An excellent structural timber that is easy to split, it is used primarily in general construction for joinery, veneers, and in the construction of ship decks, flooring, furniture, truck bodies, sleepers 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.
How it is grown
Prefers a position with some shade. Prefers a deep, fertile soil. A slow-growing tree. Silvicultural trials have been carried out and in different sites tree heights at 12 - 13 years have ranged from 4.7 to 7.8 metres.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 70% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 20 days. Young plants grow away slowly. The seed can remain viable for at least 6 months in storage.
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
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
Peroba rosa or Aspidosperma polyneuron