Pau Brasil, Brazil Wood, Indian Savin
Caesalpinia echinata
Basic Information
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: caesalpinia
Plant ID (slug): caesalpinia-echinata
Numeric ID: 388
USDA Hardiness: 10-12
Ratings
Physical Characteristics
Caesalpinia echinata is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Distribution
S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.
Habitats
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal Uses
Antidiarrhoeal Odontalgic Tonic A charcoal made from the powdered bark is infused and used to treat diarrhoea in children. The wood is odontalgic and tonic.
Known Hazards
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Detailed Information
Additional Information
Title: Caesalpinia echinata Pau Brasil, Brazil Wood, Indian Savin PFAF Plant Database
Meta Description: Caesalpinia echinata is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.