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Centrolobium sclerophyllum - H.C.Lima

Common Name Hard leaved tarara
Family Fabaceae
USDA hardiness 10-12
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Atlantic rainforest and semi-arid forest, occasional in the dense, primary formations but often quite plentiful in more open, secondary formations; favouring well-drained soils[ 625 ].
Range S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Centrolobium sclerophyllum Hard leaved tarara


Centrolobium sclerophyllum Hard leaved tarara

 

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Summary

Found in South America, Centrolobium sclerophyllum is a semi-deciduous fast-growing tree that grows up to 30 m tall with a trunk diameter of up to 70 cm. It has an upright and light crown, and straight and cylindrical trunk. The wood is attractive and used in making furniture, veneer, flooring, posts, etc. S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Centrolobium sclerophyllum is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

No synonyms are recorded for this name.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Furniture  Wood

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Agroforestry Uses: A fast-growing tree that is tolerant of full sun, probably fixes atmospheric nitrogen and has a sparse crown, it can be used as a pioneer for restoring native woodland and also for establishing woodland gardens[ 625 , K ]. Other Uses The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, heavy, with dark streaks and highly resistant to insect attacks. An attractive wood, it is used for making furniture, veneer, lathe work, parquet flooring and also for external purposes such as railway sleepers and posts[ 625 ].

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Grows best in a sunny position[ 625 ]. Requires a well-drained soil[ 625 ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[ 625 ]. Young plants have a rapid rate of growth[ 625 ].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[ 625 ]. 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 and improve 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[ K ].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Centrolobium sclerophyllum or Hard leaved tarara

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.

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.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Centrolobium microchaeteYellow tararaTree20.0 10-12 FLMHSNDM004

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.

 

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H.C.Lima

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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