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Description
Caesalpinia Echinata, commonly known as Brazilwood or Pau-Brasil, is a tree species native to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. It belongs to the Caesalpinioideae subfamily of the Fabaceae family, which includes other beautiful ornamental trees such as the Flamboyant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Caesalpinia |
| Species | Caesalpinia Echinata |
Appearance
Caesalpinia Echinata can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. Its leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets, and can be up to 30 cm long. The flowers are bright yellow and appear in clusters, followed by brown seed pods that contain several dark brown seeds. The bark is smooth and gray, with vertical stripes.
Care Guide
Caesalpinia Echinata prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It needs regular watering, especially during the dry season, but can tolerate short periods of drought. It benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate temperatures down to 0°C, making it suitable for hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Caesalpinia Echinata can be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. It can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Regular inspections and treatments with insecticides and fungicides can prevent and control these problems.
Habitat
Caesalpinia Echinata is native to the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil, where it grows in well-drained soils in areas with high humidity and rainfall. It is an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for several animal species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Caesalpinia Echinata a threatened species?
A: Yes, Caesalpinia Echinata is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and overexploitation.
Q: Can Caesalpinia Echinata be used for timber?
A: Yes, Caesalpinia Echinata is highly valued for its reddish-brown wood, which is used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative objects.
Q: Can Caesalpinia Echinata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Caesalpinia Echinata can be grown in large containers with well-drained soil and regular fertilization. However, it may not reach its full size and potential in this environment.
Q: Does Caesalpinia Echinata have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Caesalpinia Echinata has been traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and inflammation. It contains several compounds with potential pharmacological activities.
Related Plants
- Caesalpinia Bonduc
- Caesalpinia Ferrea
- Caesalpinia Gilliesii
- Caesalpinia Mexicana
- Caesalpinia Pulcherrima
References
- https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/32034/2797460
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/pau-brasil
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5518091/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115303313
