Madras thorn - Pithecellobium dulce

Description and Uses

Pithecellobium dulce (Madras thorn) is a tropical tree from Colombia & Venezuela. It is mainly grown for its fuel crops (long shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). The tree`s wood is called madras thorn wood and has a density of 585 - 600 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 5450 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 9 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Pithecellobium dulce has a lifespan of 60 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 15 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Pithecellobium dulce 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 monoecious and is pollinated by bees.

Pithecellobium dulce thrives in an altitude of 900 to 1800 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 4°C and optimally between 22 - 35°C. The optimal rainfall is 1075 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 250 - 1650 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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