Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa, commonly known as kingwood or Brazilian rosewood, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Brazil, particularly in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais.
General Appearance
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa is a large and slow-growing tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. It has a dense and broad crown, with a trunk that measures up to 60 cm in diameter. The heartwood of the tree is a rich purple-brown color with black streaks, while the sapwood is a pale yellow color. The tree has a characteristic sweet scent and a high natural luster that makes it ideal for use in high-quality furniture and decorative objects.
Common Names
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa is commonly known as kingwood or Brazilian rosewood. Its Brazilian name is jacarandá-caviúna, and it is also referred to as Rio rosewood or Bahia rosewood.
Uses
The heartwood of Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa is highly prized for its use in high-end furniture and decorative objects. Its rich color, striking pattern, and natural luster make it a popular material for luxurious items such as jewelry boxes, musical instruments, and knife handles. It is also used in fine cabinetry, turnery, and veneers. The tree is also sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Light Requirements
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa, commonly known as Brazilian rosewood, grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. If planted in a shaded area, the plant tends to become thin and spindly. Therefore, it is advisable to select a spot that receives full sunlight for optimum growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's temperature requirements determine the species' geographic distribution. The Brazilian rosewood thrives in areas with tropical and subtropical climates. The ideal temperature range for growth is 21 to 28°C (70 to 82°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost and is not frost-resistant, so it is not suitable for planting in cold climates.
Soil Requirements
The Brazilian rosewood prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The ideal soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.5). Soil texture should be loam or sandy loam, providing adequate drainage of water. The plant does not grow well in heavy or clay soils, which retain water, leading to root rot. Additionally, it is essential to maintain soil moisture, especially during the critical growth stages. Drought conditions can lead to decreased growth, early leaf drop, and even death of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa, commonly known as Bahia rosewood, requires warm weather and high humidity to grow and thrive. It is best grown under partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can be propagated through seeds or vegetative propagation.
If growing from seeds, sow them in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until germination. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
If using vegetative propagation, take stem cuttings from mature plants and place them in a rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep them moist and warm until new growth appears.
Watering needs
Bahia rosewood trees prefer consistently moist soil but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is best to water deeply about once a week, depending on the climate and soil type. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Bahia rosewood trees require fertilization to grow and maintain healthy foliage. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer, and refrain from fertilizing during the winter months. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to poor growth and yellowing leaves.
Pruning
Bahia rosewood trees can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size, but avoid excessive pruning. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead or damaged branches and any crossing or rubbing branches. Thin out the interior of the tree to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the tree in a single season.
Propagation of Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa, commonly known as Brazilian rosewood, is a slow-growing tree species that can reach up to 30m in height. It is highly valued for its beautiful and durable wood, which is widely used in high-end furniture making, musical instruments, and decorative veneers.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Dalbergia carringtoniana is through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature trees that are at least 30 years old. The seeds are then cleaned and dried before being sown into nursery beds.
Before sowing the seeds, it is advisable to scarify them to break down their hard outer coat. This can be done manually by rubbing the seeds against sandpaper or mechanically using a seed scarifier. Scarification helps to improve seed germination by allowing water and air to penetrate the seed coat.
The seeds are then sown into a well-drained nursery bed filled with a mixture of sand and compost. The ideal time for sowing is during the rainy season, between October and December. The seedlings will emerge from the soil after 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots once they have reached a height of about 10 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Dalbergia carringtoniana can also be done through cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature trees and rooting them in a rooting medium.
The best time to take cuttings is during the dry season, between June and August. The cuttings should be about 20 cm long and should be taken from the middle section of the tree. The cuttings should then be treated with rooting hormones to promote root development.
The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium made up of a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and the humidity around them should be maintained by covering them with a plastic sheet. Rooting should occur in about 2-3 months, after which the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used to propagate Dalbergia carringtoniana. This method involves creating a wound on the stem of a mature tree and inducing the formation of roots at that point using rooting hormones.
The process begins by selecting a branch on a mature tree and then cutting a ring of bark from it. The wound is then treated with rooting hormones, and a moist substrate is placed around it. The branch is then wrapped with plastic to maintain high humidity around the wound. After 2-3 months, roots will form at the wound site, and the branch can be cut and planted in a pot.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Dalbergia carringtoniana requires good soil drainage, plenty of sunlight, and consistent watering to grow successfully. It takes several years for the tree to reach maturity, making it a challenging species to propagate and cultivate.
Disease and Pest Management for Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa or Dalbergia nigra, commonly known as Brazilian rosewood, is a tropical hardwood tree native to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. It is a rare and valuable tree species that has been overexploited for its high-quality timber. Disease and pest management are essential to maintain the health and productivity of the remaining trees.
Common Diseases of Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa
Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including Phyllosticta dalbergiae and Fusarium solani. Phyllosticta dalbergiae causes leaf spots and defoliation, while Fusarium solani causes root rot and stem cankers. To manage these diseases, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve soil drainage, and practice crop rotation. Fungicides can also be applied, but they are not always effective.
Common Pests of Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa
The Brazilian rosewood is also vulnerable to insect pests such as the wood-boring beetle Ambrosia beetles and the insect Gall midge. The Ambrosia beetle burrows into the trunk, causing extensive damage to the wood, while the Gall midge damages the leaves, leading to stunted growth. To control these pests, it is recommended to use insecticides, prune and burn infested parts, and maintain tree health through proper fertilization and watering.
Preventive measures such as regular inspections can be useful in detecting problems early. Proper sanitation, maintenance of tree health, and avoidance of stress conditions can also help to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. In conclusion, the conservation of Dalbergia carringtoniana E.C.Sousa requires both the protection of the remaining trees and the effective management of diseases and pests.
