TIMBO
Ateleia glazioveana
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
Atelia glaziveana is a fast growing tree that has nitrogen-fixing capability. It is a deciduous tree with a vase-shaped crown growing up to 18 meters tall and a bole of up to 30-50 cm in diameter. It is mainly used as a fuel though due to its vigorous characteristic, it has high potential in reforestation usage. Its wood is only used for lower quality indoor purposes.
Ateleia glazioveana is a deciduous Tree growing to 13 m (42ft) by 13 m (42ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 13
Where it is found
Broadleaved and Atlantic rainforest, usually in open areas and secondary growth, favouring moist soils and forest fringes.
S. America - Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Coming Soon
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 4
Other uses rating: High (4/5). Agroforestry Uses: A fast-growing tree, tolerant of the sun even as a seedling, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Considered to be a weed in many pasture areas, this is an excellent species to choose when restoring native woodland. It could also be used as a pioneer species when starting a woodland garden, though should only be used within its natural range due to the possibility that it could escape from cultivation and invade non-native areas. Other Uses The wood is light in weight, smooth, not very compact, slightly coarse surface, of low durability when exposed to the elements. It is only used for lower quality indoor purposes such as sheathing, inner walls, laths, boxes etc. The wood is used for fuel.
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.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Grows best in a sunny position. Prefers a moist soil. The plant is a vigorous pioneer species, producing seed abundantly and self-sowing freely into open land. It is considered to be a weed in some parts of its native range where it has invaded pasture land. A fast-growing tree, easily reaching a height of 4 metres or more within 2 years from seed. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 20 days. The seedlings grow away quickly and they should be ready to plant out less than 5 months later. 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: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
May be weedy
Its other names
Local names
TIMBî or Atelia glaziveana
Synonyms
No synonyms are recorded for this name.