African coralwood - Pterocarpus soyauxii

Description and Uses

Pterocarpus soyauxii (African coralwood) is a tropical tree from Zaire. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 5 - 9 years. The first yield will be 0.2 but in its top season there will be a yield of 5. The tree`s wood is called African coralwood and has a density of 700 - 790 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4200 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Pterocarpus soyauxii has a lifespan of 70 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 30 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Pterocarpus soyauxii has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Microbacteriaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by insects. Pterocarpus soyauxii is deciduous in dry season and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Pterocarpus soyauxii thrives in an altitude of 0 to 800 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 12°C and optimally between 20 - 26°C. The optimal rainfall is 2350 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1500 - 1700 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 6.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is intolerant to wind tolerant and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 6 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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