Viraro tree - Pterogyne nitens

Description and Uses

Pterogyne nitens (Viraro tree) is a tropical tree from Amazone. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. The tree`s wood is called Viraro wood and has a density of 650 - 680 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4700 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Pterogyne nitens has a lifespan of 90 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 27 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Pterogyne nitens 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 hermaphroditic and is pollinated by insects. Pterogyne nitens is evergreen and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Pterogyne nitens thrives in an altitude of 300 to 1100 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 7°C and optimally between 18 - 30°C. The optimal rainfall is 1350 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 700 - 1300 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant 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 1 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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