Small, spiky, and densely branching, Dalbergia melanoxylon is a deciduous tree that generally grows to a height of 4.5 to 7.5 metres but can occasionally exceed 15 metres.
The tree is taken out of the wild and used locally as a source of materials and medicines. With a variety of uses, the wood is one of the most precious materials produced in Africa. It is highly prized in the production of musical instruments and woodcarving. It is a particularly expensive wood since it is one of 33 species designated as having a suitable Hongmu (red wood) timber, used to create high-quality Chinese furniture in accordance with customs from the Ming and Quing dynasties.
Growing Conditions
Tropical Dalbergia melanoxylon thrives at elevations between 0 and 1200 metres above sea level. The ideal range for temperature is 18 to 35°C, with a minimum of -1°C. The ideal annual rainfall is 1300 mm. The yearly rainfall without irrigation should range between 700 to 1200 mm (L/m2). In soil with a loam texture, a pH of 5.0 to 6.0 is ideal. It takes a little amount of tolerance for salt to tolerate wind and fire.
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