Redwood
Dalbergia oliveri

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

Dalbergia oliveri is a deciduous tree that grows about 30 m in height and with an open, spreading crown. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia, specifically in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is highly valued for its red lumber used in making furniture, cabinets, and handicrafts among others. It is considered as an endangered species due to overharvesting.

Dalbergia oliveri is a deciduous Tree growing to 23 m (75ft) by 20 m (65ft) 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): 23

Where it is found

Usually in primary and secondary forest, mixed deciduous forest, tropical evergreen or semi-deciduous forest, along streams, at elevations up to 1,200 metres.

E. Asia - India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam.

Conservation Status: Status: Endangered A1cd

Countries/locations it is found in

Myanmar; Thailand; Viet Nam; Lao People's Democratic Republic

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other Uses: The heartwood is a dark red-brown; the sapwood white. The wood is close-grained, hard, heavy, and resistant to the attacks of termites. It has an attractive, veined structure and is easy to polish. It is often used for making quality furniture, luxury cabinets, art and handicrafts etc, as well as the handles of agricultural implements.

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.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Young trees are fairly shade tolerant, but older trees prefer a sunny position. Members of this genus generally prefer a fertile, loam soil. A slow-growing tree. 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: 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 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

Neang Nuon, Mai Ching Chan, Mai Kham Phii, tamalan, Burmese Rosewood, Laos Rosewood, Asian Rosewood.

Synonyms

Dalbergia laccifera Laness. Dalbergia prazeri Prain