Batai tree - Paraserianthes falcataria

Description and Uses

Paraserianthes falcataria (Batai tree) is a tropical tree from Malaysia & Indonesia. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (n/a shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 3 - 4 years. The tree`s wood is called batai wood and has a density of 300 - 500 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is very fast, its energetic value is 4750 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 15 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Paraserianthes falcataria has a lifespan of 60 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 41 meters tall. It is very fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Paraserianthes falcataria 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 bi-sexual and is pollinated by insects.

Paraserianthes falcataria thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1200 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 10°C and optimally between 22 - 29°C. The optimal rainfall is 4000 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 2000 - 4000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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