Round leaved kiaat - Pterocarpus rotundifolius

Description and Uses

Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Round leaved kiaat) is a tropical tree from Southern Africa. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 2 - 7 years. The tree`s wood is called Round leaved kiaat and has a density of 820 - 880 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4500 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 30 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Pterocarpus rotundifolius has a lifespan of 60 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 19 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Pterocarpus rotundifolius has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Microbacteriaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees. Pterocarpus rotundifolius is deciduous in winter and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Pterocarpus rotundifolius thrives in an altitude of 500 to 1600 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 5°C and optimally between 14 - 26°C. The optimal rainfall is 1450 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 600 - 1700 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is intolerant to wind tolerant and to fire tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 4 months. There are approximative 5000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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