None known

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The bark and leaves have medicinal value, and have been used in the treatment of muscular and joint pain, rheumatism, skin infection, and as an anti-inflammatory[381 ]. The macerated leaves are used to treat joint and muscular pains, rheumatism and skin infections[299 ]. A leaf infusion is part of a cure for inflammation of the prostate[299 ].

Agroforestry Uses: A pioneer species that grows rapidly, needs light, and regenerates in open areas. It tolerates a wide range of climates and soils[381 ]. It can be used in reforestation projects at higher elevations in the Tropics[K ]. Both within its native range, as well as in other areas such as tropical Africa, the tree is increasingly planted for the reclamation of denuded sites, erosion control, soil improvement and in agroforestry systems. It is well suited for these purposes because of its rapid growth and tolerance to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions[299 ]. It has been used as a shade plant for coffee in Costa Rica for about 100 years[381 ]. Planting of this species in association with maize and corn can reduce the cost of planting these crops by up to 60%[381 ]. The agroforestry benefits of this species are not derived only from its nitrogen fixing capabilities but also because of the leaves, which recycle nutrients into the soil[381 ]. Other Uses: The inner bark yields tannin and dye[418 ]. A brown dye is obtained from the bark[331 ]. It is often used for cotton and other textiles[331[ The heartwood is cream-coloured, turning reddish upon exposure; it is not distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. The grain is straight; the texture fine; lustre is medium; there is no distinctive taste or odour. The wood is light in weight; tough; strong; moderately durable in the open, durable when under water, and not resistant to insects. Easy to work with hand and power tools, it takes a good finish. It can be used for furniture, cabinetwork, coffins, boxes, interior construction, posts, plywood, carving, pulp etc[299 , 303 , 325 , 363 , 418 ]. A match company in Colombia evaluated 20 species and found this species to be the best suited for making match sticks[303 ]. The wood is used as a fuel[418 ]. A traditional firewood, it burns evenly and very well[303 , 381 ]. The calorific value is estimated at 19 250 kJ/kg[303 ]. The wood is also used to make charcoal[299 ]. The species is nitrogen fixing and the leaves are used as organic material in agricultural applications (as green manure) and as fodder material. The abundant wind-borne pollen is a valuable bee food supplement.

Special Uses