Propagated by seed, root cutting, or coppicing. Can plant seed directly under moist conditions with good weed control. Soak seed in cool water for 12-24 hours to speed germination. Can plant root cuttings directly in the field or raise in a nursery for future transplanting. Transplant nursery grown seedlings to the field after 6 months. Plant at 3x1 to 6x2 m. Weed regularly until trees can withstand weed competition. Loosen soil around seedlings to improve growth before weeds become dense. Can be harvested at 30-40 years.
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Dalbergia latifolia
Livestock Forage
Fuelwood
Lumber
Medicinal
Product
English Common Name
Black Rosewood
Indonesian Common Name
Sonokeling, Sonosungu
Tree Family
Fabaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
6-7cm
Length
×
3-4cm
Width
Tree Height
Medium (20–35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1500m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia
Native to
Region
Asia
Indonesia
Java, Sumatra
Exotic in
SE Asia
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore
Indonesia
Borneo, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Unknown
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Livestock Forage
- Fuelwood
- Lumber
- Medicinal
- Product
The wood is fragrant, very durable, generally highly resistant to attack by termites and fungi, difficult to work because of its high density, and is used to make premium-grade furniture, paneling, veneers, joinery, and tools and crafts such as knife handles, musical instruments, and agricultural implements. Medicines are made from the tannins in the bark to treat diarrhea, worms, indigestion, and leprosy. The tree is used for shade, its tannins also produce an appetizer, and it produces a honey that is dark amber and strong flavored.
Farm Services
- Coffee Shade
- Soil Improvement
- Erosion Control
- Coffee Productivity
- Nitrogen Fixation
Soil improvement: leaf litter decomposes slowly releasing nutrients gradually and it is used as a mulch
Biodiversity Benefits
Unknown