Terminalia amazonia

Terminalia amazonia is a species of tropical trees from the specie Terminalia that grows from the Gulf of Mexico watersheds to Guyana in South America. This tree can grow above 50 m (164 feet) and sometimes 70 m (230 feet) in some forests. In most cases, it has a straight trunk and the bark is thin, dull and grayish yellow or grayish brown. It blooms between February and April while the fruit ripens between March and May.^[2] In Belize, Terminalia amazonia is known as bullywood or Nargusta. Terminalia amazonia is a tropical tree under lowland broad-leaved forest and have been used for commercial logging. The wood is hard and durable. ^[3] In Belize, Terminalia amazonia is widely located in the Mountain Pine Ridge. ^[4]

Common Names

Terminalia amazonia has different names in different countries. In Central America and Panama, it is known as roble coral, amarillón, canùx, naranjo, volador, amarillo real, guayabo de charco. In Mexico, it is referred as sombrerete and tepesuchil. In Cuba, the common names are guyo and chicharrón. In Belize it is referred as Nargusta or bullywood. Arispin and acietuno is the common names for Venezuela. Lastly, in Colombia the common names for Terminalia amazonia are guayabo león, palo prieto. ^[5]

Botanic Characteristic

As mentioned above, this tree can grow up to 70 m in height. I can reach a diameter of 1 to 3 m. The bark is straight. At the beginning, the branches grow horizontally and the apex assumes a vertical position. The crust is thin (1 cm thick) and is grayish brow or yellow. Also, it has a bitter taste. The leaves are small, dark green, glossy above beam and light green and opaque on the back.^[5]

Characteristics of the wood

The young part of the green wood is light grayish yellow and orange or yellowish when dry. The heart is a little darker and when dry, it acquires a reddish yellow color. There are an approximate average of 2 rings per cm. ^[5]

Uses of Terminalia amazonia wood

Because of the characteristics of Terminalia amazonia being hard and durable, it is used in general construction as well as in floors. Furthermore, it is used to make furnitures and first class cabinets. It is recommended to be used for barrels and doors.^[5]

Handling and Storage of seed

Seed trees should be located in stands and have a diameter of at least 40 to 70 centimeter. The fruit must be ripe since seeds of unripe fruit does not germinate. Once the seeds are harvested, they should be transported with cloth bags and and extended to dry in the sun for two days of three to four hours. Seeds are orthodox and should be kept in airtight containers or 4°C with moisture content of 6 to 8%. ^[5]

Major Pest and diseases of the tree

Some Terminalia amazonia plants presents problems of pests during the early stages of development. The attack causes large deformation reducing the quality of the wood. It is common to encounter the problem of "gumming" caused by a virus which causes weakening of the tree until it is dead. Furthermore, ^[5]

References