Contents
Description
Centrolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. The genus includes about 30 species of trees, some of which are highly valued for their timber.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Centrolobium |
Appearance
Centrolobium trees can grow up to 40 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is rough and cracked, with a gray-brown color. The leaves are pinnate, with 4-8 pairs of leaflets and a terminal one. The leaflets are oblong and glossy, with a dark green color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a pink or white color. The fruit is a pod, up to 20 cm long, with a woody texture and containing seeds.
Care Guide
Centrolobium trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods. They prefer well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Fertilization can be done once a year with a balanced fertilizer. The trees require full sun to grow properly. Centrolobium is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Centrolobium trees are generally healthy and not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, they can be affected by leaf spot or rust diseases. These can be prevented by proper watering and fertilization.
Habitat
Centrolobium trees are found in tropical rainforests and savannas in South America. They prefer moist soils and are often found near rivers or other bodies of water.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the common name for Centrolobium?
A: Centrolobium is commonly known as “pau-marfim” in Brazil.
Q: What is the commercial value of Centrolobium?
A: Centrolobium is highly valued for its timber, which is used for furniture, flooring, and construction.
Q: Can Centrolobium be grown as a houseplant?
A: No, Centrolobium is too large to be grown as a houseplant and requires full sun to grow properly.
Q: Is Centrolobium an endangered species?
A: Some species of Centrolobium are considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation for timber.
Related Plants
- Dipteryx
- Peltogyne
- Swietenia
- Tecoma
References
- “Centrolobium.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. 21 May 2021.
- “Centrolobium.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Web. 21 May 2021.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. “Centrolobium.” Tropical Tree Database. Web. 21 May 2021.
