Alexa wachenheimii

Benoist

Wachenheimii alexa

Fabaceae Edible: ? Potential hazards — see below 10 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A tall tropical tree reaching 25 m in height with thick low buttresses, found in swamp forests. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and its leaves and pods contain alkaloids.

Medicinal Uses

The tree is used in traditional medicine.

Known Hazards

The leaves and pods contain alkaloids.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in swamp forest.

Where It Grows

French Guiana, Guyana, South America, Suriname,

Cultivation

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.

Other Uses

The wood of several species in this genus appears to be suitable for interior construction and carpentry, but has little commercial possibilities. We have no specific information on the wood of this species, but it is likely to be similar to other members of the genus. The following description is for Alexa imperatricis. The heartwood is nearly colourless to brownish yellow, but occasionally somewhat darker; it is not readily separated from the thick, dingy white sapwood. The grain is straight; texture rather coarse; lustre is medium to low; seasoned wood is odourless and tasteless. The wood is light in weight, moderately strong, highly resistant to decay, although the freshly cut logs are very susceptible to damage by pinhole borers. It is considered to work easily and finish satisfactorily. The wood is suitable for interior construction, boxes, crating, general construction, plywood etc. In a region where heavy, hard, strong woods predominate, a wood such as this should be readily accepted for many uses to which these other woods are not suited. In many places, it could replace the imported pines and Douglas-fir.