Tabernaemontana
Tabernaemontana hystrix

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A fast growing natural pioneer species found in Brazil, Tabernaemontana hystrix is a shrub or tree with a low but dense crown. It grows up to 6 m in height with a short and crooked bole that can be up to 30 cm in diameter. The plant is not edible and has no medicinal value. The wood is light in weight, soft, and not resistant to rot. Such characteristics make it an ideal use for boards, rafters and beams. It is also used for fuel and charcoal.

Tabernaemontana hystrix is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) 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): 5

Where it is found

Broadleaved, semideciduous forest, where it is found mainly in open places and secondary forest formations, though it is also sometimes found in dense primary 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

Agroforestry Uses: A fast-growing natural pioneer that can quickly invade pasture, it also provides every year a large crop of fruits that are avidly eaten by birds. It is an essential choice for planting schemes to re-establish native woodland. Other Uses The wood is light in weight, soft and with low resistance to rot. It can be used for boards in general, rafters and beams. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.

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

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.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Grows best in a sunny position. The plant can become a serious weed in pastures where it often self-sows freely and also sends up suckers from the roots.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position or in the sun in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 40 days. The seed remains viable in storage for at least 10 months.

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

The plant can become a serious weed in pastures where it often self-sows freely and also sends up suckers from the roots.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Peschiera fuchsiifolia (A.DC.) Miers Peschiera gaudichaudii (A.DC.) Miers Peschiera gracillima Miers