Orchideenbaum

A plant of subtropical to tropical regions where it can usually be found at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres, exceptionally to 3,000 metres. The mean annual temperature in its natural habitat ranges from 12° - 21°c; it experiences an absolute maximum shade temperature of 38 - 46c and an absolute minimum of -1° - +9°c[ 652 ]. Severe frost kills the leaves of seedlings and saplings, but they can recover during the growing season[ 303 ]. It grows in areas with a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 5,000mm[ 303 , 652 ]. Grows best in a sunny position[ 200 , 652 ]. Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained, sandy, loamy or gravelly soil[ 200 , 303 ]. The tree actually flowers best when growing on drier soils[ 303 ]. The plant is commonly cultivated in the tropics, where it sometimes escapes from cultivation. There are reports that it can become established in some areas and has been reported as 'invasive' in some Pacific Islands[ 305 ]. The growth of young plants is very rapid under favourable conditions. They have been known to attain heights of 3 metres within 12 months and to be almost 5 metres tall and flowering by the end of their second year[ 652 ]. The pods develop quickly, some attaining a good length whilst the tree is still in flower[ 652 ]. Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[ 755 ]. Production: It begins flowering at an early age.

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Gum Edible portion: Flowers, Leaves, Seeds, Fruit, Gum. Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[ 287 , 301 ]. They are used in curries. Flower buds and flowers - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[ 287 , 301 ]. The flower buds are often pickled or used in curries[ 287 , 301 ]. Young seedpods - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[ 287 ]. The seeds are fried and eaten. The gum is edible.

Dye Fibre Fuel Gum Pioneer Tannin Wood Other uses rating: High (4/5). Landscape Uses: Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen, Blooms are very showy. Form: Rounded, Vase. Agroforestry Uses: This tree should make an excellent pioneer with its ease of establishment, rapid growth and hardiness. Some thought should be given, however, to the possibility of it escaping from cultivation[ K ]. Other Uses The plant yields a gum[ 287 ]. The bark is a source of tannins[ 287 ]. It is also used for dyeing[ 480 ]. A fibre is obtained from the bark[ 287 , 454 ]. The wood is rosy-white in colour, turning brown upon exposure to the atmosphere. Fine and closely grained, it is hard and durable[ 480 ]. It is used for carpentry and joinery when large enough; otherwise it is used for agricultural implements[ 146 , 287 , 480 ]. The wood is used for fuel[ 287 ].

Heimisch: Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan Eingeführt: Andaman Is., Borneo, China South-Central, China Southeast, Cuba, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Florida, Gambia, Guatemala, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Iraq, KwaZulu-Natal, Laos, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malawi, Malaya, Marianas, Mexico Central, Mozambique, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Nigeria, Northern Provinces, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Queensland, Sierra Leone, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, Vietnam, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Windward Is., Zambia, Zimbabwe