Senefeldera
Senefeldera verticillata

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

Senefeldera verticillata is an evergreen tree commonly found in South America, particularly in eastern part of Brazil. It grows about 6-18 m in height and 20-40 cm in bole diameter. It has a dense and elongated crown, and slender and usually hollow bole. It is fast-growing when young and an excellent pioneer species. There are no known medicinal and edible uses. The wood is not often used as a timber but commonly used for fuel and to make charcoal.

Senefeldera verticillata is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast 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.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Atlantic rainforest, growing in the more open areas and in secondary growth formations, commonly found invading abandoned agricultural fields.

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

Agroforestry Uses: An excellent pioneer species, fast-growing in sunny positions, easy to propagate and rapidly invading abandoned agricultural land; it can be used when restoring native woodland and also for establishing woodland gardens. Other Uses The wood is average-textured, straight-grained, heavy, with poor to moderate mechanical properties and a low resistance to rot. Not often used as a timber, but the wood has a high energy value and is commonly used for fuel and to make charcoal.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Pioneer: Plants, usually trees and shrubs, that can be used to reforest land.

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

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position. A fast-growing plant when young, easily reaching a height of 2.5 metres or more within 2 years from seed.

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, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 50 days.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Omphalea verticillata Vell. Senefeldera angustifolia Klotzsch Senefeldera dodecandra M?ll.Arg. Senef