Yaya, lancewood
Oxandra laurifolia

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

Oxandra laurifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium 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: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Forests at elevations from 150 - 600 metres in Puerto Rico. Forests on limestone in wet areas at elevations around 600 metres in Jamaica.

Caribbean - Martinique to Cuba.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Cuba; Haiti; Dominican Republic; Jamaica; Puerto Rico; Virgin Islands, U.S.; Guadeloupe; Martinique; Saint Kitts and Nevis

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other Uses The light yellow wood is made up entirely of sapwood. The texture is very fine; the grain straight; lustre is medium; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is very strong, extremely hard, elastic; durable. It is moderately difficult to work because of its high density, but finishes smoothly and is excellent for turnery. Said to be the equal of boxwood in hardness, it is used for making fishing rods, billiard cues, archery bows, articles of turnery, masts, textile machinery, and small tool handles.

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

How it is grown

Not known

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Yaya, lancewood

Synonyms

Uvaria laurifolia Sw.