Pterocarpus dalbergioides

DC.

Andaman padauk, Andaman redwood

Fabaceae Edible: Leaves, Flowers 27 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Pterocarpus dalbergioides, the Andaman padauk, Andaman redwood or East Indian mahogany, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is sometimes called "narra", but this is just a generic term used for any of several Pterocarpus species. It is native to the Andaman Islands.

Description

A tree. It can lose many leaves during the year. It grows 25-40 m tall. The trunk can be 1.8 m across.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The flowers and very young leaves can be eaten.

Traditional Uses

The flowers and very young leaves are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The bark contains tannins and is astringent, and is used medicinally.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests usually near rivers. It grows up to 100 m above sea level. It grows in the wet lowland tropics. It is best where temperatures are 22-32°C. It cannot tolerate frost. It is best with an annual rainfall between 3,000-3,500 mm. It is best with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

Where It Grows

Andamans*, Asia, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, SE Asia,

Cultivation

A plant of the wet, lowland tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 100 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 32°c, but can tolerate 15 - 37°c. Plants are not tolerant of frost. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 3,000 - 3,500mm, but tolerates 2,500 - 4,000mm. Grows best in a sunny position, tolerating light shade. The tree is shade tolerant in youth. Succeeds in most soils. The tree is best adapted to damp conditions. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7.5. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation

Seed.

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins. The heartwood is variable, mainly a rich crimson or shades of red to brown, often with darker red or blackish streaks, and sometimes pale red or yellowish; the narrow sapwood band is greyish. The texture is rather coarse, the grain generally interlocked, with a dull to lustrous surface and no characteristic odour or taste. The heartwood is rated as very durable and resistant to termite attack. The wood is moderately hard; not difficult to saw and machine, though interlocked grain prevents a smooth dressed finish; it turns well and takes a good polish. Uses include light to heavy construction, joists, rafters, beams, and interior finish, as well as high-quality furniture, panelling, musical instruments, cabinet work, interior joinery, billiard tables, decorative flooring, agricultural implements, and veneer. Its resistance to weathering, wear, and insect attack makes it suitable for bridges, piles, posts, railway sleepers, and mine timbers. The tree is a nitrogen fixer.