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Summary
Astronium balansae is a deciduous, flowering tree native to Argentina and Paraguay. It has a large, open crown and a crooked bole that often branches from low down. It grows 5-25 m tall with up to 120cm bole diameter. Tannins can be obtained from the tree's bark and wood. The wood is also a great fuel source. It is very heavy, hard, and resistant to insect attacks. It is also an ornamental tree.
Physical Characteristics
Astronium balansae is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Myracrodruon balansae (Engl.) Santin
Habitats
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Charcoal Fuel Furniture Tannin Wood
Other uses rating: High (4/5). Other Uses The bark and wood are a source of tannins[ 341 , 625 ]. The wood contains up to 16% tannins[ 341 ]. The heartwood is pale to dark grey when fresh, turning to dark brown on exposure with dark stripes; it is distinctly demarcated from the narrow band of yellowish sapwood[ 341 ]. The texture is fine and even; grain is wavy, sometimes interlocked; lustre is low; taste and odour absent[ 341 ]. The wood is very heavy; extremely hard and difficult to cut; and exceptionally resistant to insect attacks even when exposed to the elements. Working properties are variable; it finishes well; is difficult to nail and pre-boring is necessary for good results. It can be used for various outdoor purposes including railway sleepers, posts, bridge beams and door and window frames[ 341 , 625 ]. The wood is a very good fuel and produces an excellent charcoal[ 341 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Found mainly at lower elevations in the subtropical areas of northern Argentina, southern Brazil and Paraguay, though there is one report of it growing outside its native range in Lima, Peru, which is about 12' south, at an elevation of 240 metres[ K ]. Grows best in a sunny position[ 625 ]. Prefers a well-drained, sandy soil[ 341 ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[ 625 ].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Propagation
Seed - it needs to be sown in a nursery seedbed as soon as it is ripe. Germination takes 6 - 32 days and the young plants will be ready for planting out 9 - 10 months later[ 625 ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Astronium or Astronium balansae
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Coming Soon
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
None Known
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Engl.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Astronium balansae
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