Pricky narra - Pterocarpus indicus

Description and Uses

Pterocarpus indicus (Pricky narra) is a tropical tree from South East Asia. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (short shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 4 - 6 years. The first yield will be 0.3 but in its top season there will be a yield of 4. The tree`s wood is called Pricky narra and has a density of 700 - 740 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 indicus has a lifespan of 75 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 33 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Pterocarpus indicus 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 uni-sexual and is pollinated by bumble bees. Pterocarpus indicus is deciduous in dry season and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Pterocarpus indicus thrives in an altitude of 0 to 700 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 7°C and optimally between 24 - 27°C. The optimal rainfall is 2000 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 900 - 2200 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 7.0 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 3 months. There are approximative 3500 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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