Pterocarpus is a genus of trees in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the Bloodwood tree due to the red sap it produces. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value, as well as for medicinal and timber purposes. There are about 35 species of Pterocarpus, with the most well-known species being P. indicus, P. macrocarpus, and P. santalinus.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pterocarpus |
Appearance
Pterocarpus trees are deciduous and can grow up to 30 meters tall. They have a wide, spreading canopy and a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 2 meters. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets, and are usually green or reddish-brown in color. The flowers are small and yellow or white in color, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a flat, woody pod that contains one or more seeds.
One of the most distinctive features of Pterocarpus is the red sap that the trees produce. When the bark is cut or damaged, the sap oozes out and quickly hardens into a dark red, resinous substance. This sap has been used for centuries as a dye, and is also believed to have medicinal properties.
Care Guide
Pterocarpus trees require full sun and well-drained soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefer slightly acidic soils. Watering should be done regularly, but not excessively, and the tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring. Pterocarpus trees are hardy in zones 10-12, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pterocarpus trees are relatively pest and disease resistant, but can be susceptible to fungal infections such as root rot and powdery mildew. Insects such as aphids and spider mites can also be a problem. Regular monitoring of the tree’s health and prompt treatment of any issues is recommended.
Habitat
Pterocarpus trees are native to a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to dry savannas. They are found throughout Africa, Asia, and South America, and are commonly cultivated in gardens and parks for their ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pterocarpus be grown indoors?
A: Pterocarpus trees are not well-suited for indoor growing, as they require full sun and a large amount of space to grow.
Q: How long does it take for Pterocarpus to mature?
A: Pterocarpus trees can take up to 20 years to reach maturity and produce seeds.
Q: What is the sap of Pterocarpus used for?
A: The red sap of Pterocarpus has been used for centuries as a dye for textiles and wood, as well as for medicinal purposes.
Q: Is Pterocarpus endangered?
A: Some species of Pterocarpus, such as P. santalinus, are considered endangered due to over-harvesting for their valuable timber.
Related Plants
- Dalbergia
- Cassia
- Acacia
- Albizia
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Pterocarpus. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/28726
- Mothana, R. A., & Lindequist, U. (2005). Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants of the island Soqotra. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 96(1-2), 177-181.
- USDA. (n.d.). Pterocarpus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PTERO
