Contents
Description
Dalbergia Hancei, also known as Hainan Huanghuali, is a rare and exotic hardwood tree native to Hainan Island in southern China. It belongs to the legume family Fabaceae and is highly valued for its beautiful, dense, and durable wood. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The bark is grayish-brown and slightly rough. The leaves are pinnate with 7-11 leaflets and are dark green in color. The tree blooms in spring with small white flowers that are followed by pods containing the seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalbergia |
Appearance
Dalbergia Hancei is an evergreen tree with a dense and symmetrical crown. The wood is highly prized for its beautiful grain patterns, which range from reddish-brown to dark brown with black stripes. The heartwood is very hard and heavy, with a density of 0.9-1.2 g/cm³. The wood is also resistant to decay, insects, and fungi, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. The leaves are dark green and shiny, with 7-11 leaflets that are oblong or elliptical in shape. The flowers are small and white, while the fruit is a flat and oblong pod that contains 1-2 seeds.
Care Guide
Dalbergia Hancei is a slow-growing tree that requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It prefers a warm and humid climate and is hardy in USDA zones 10-12. Here are some care tips for growing Dalbergia Hancei:
Water: Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth.
Soil: Plant the tree in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils, as these can cause root rot.
Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Dalbergia Hancei is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dalbergia Hancei is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
Root Rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and plant the tree in well-drained soil.
Borers: These insects can bore into the wood and cause damage. Symptoms include small holes in the wood and sawdust on the ground. To prevent borers, keep the tree healthy and avoid mechanical damage to the bark.
Habitat
Dalbergia Hancei is native to Hainan Island in southern China, where it grows in tropical rainforests at elevations of 200-500 meters. The tree prefers a warm and humid climate and is often found growing on hillsides and ridges. It is an important timber tree in China and is protected by law.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dalbergia Hancei an endangered species?
A: Yes, Dalbergia Hancei is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overexploitation for its valuable wood.
Q: How long does it take for Dalbergia Hancei to mature?
A: Dalbergia Hancei is a slow-growing tree that takes about 40-50 years to mature.
Q: Can Dalbergia Hancei be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Dalbergia Hancei can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough for the tree to grow and the soil is well-drained.
Q: Is Dalbergia Hancei related to other rosewoods?
A: Yes, Dalbergia Hancei is a member of the rosewood genus Dalbergia, which includes other valuable timber trees such as Brazilian rosewood and Indian rosewood.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Dalbergia Hancei:
- Dalbergia cochinchinensis
- Dalbergia latifolia
- Dalbergia nigra
- Dalbergia odorifera
References
- Wikipedia. (2021). Dalbergia hancei. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalbergia_hancei
- IUCN. (2021). Dalbergia hancei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T32956A2828299. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T32956A2828299.en
- Flora of China. (2021). Dalbergia hancei. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200012691
