Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Colubrina glandulosa
Lumber
Medicinal
Ornamental
Peru Common Name
Palo peruano, Shaina
Tree Family
Rhamnaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
Unknown
Tree Height
Medium (20–35m)
Elevational Range (m)
200–1000m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Peru
Native to
Region
Americas
Latin America
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Natural
Tree Management
The seed should be planted in a partially shaded nursery as soon as it is ripe and does not require prior treatment. On average, 75% germination is obtained, which occurs between 12 and 166 days after planting. Seeds stored at 20°C remain viable for up to 15 months. Growth in nursery is very fast. Seedlings can reach 25-30 cm in height in a time of 2 months. They require full light during their initial development. Plant seedlings in individual containers when they are 3-5 cm tall. Trees of this species maintain their foliage permanently. The fruits are produced in abundance and contain 4-5 seeds each. They are collected directly from the tree and then the seeds (approx. 52 thousand per kg) are extracted manually once the fruits are opened. It is necessary to sand the seeds superficially to remove the shiny enamel that surrounds the seed. Has a low incidence of pests.
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Lumber
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
Used in the manufacture of cabinets, flooring, shipbuilding, bridges, vehicles, railway ties, fence posts, bridges, and construction. Occasionally, cultivated for its bark which is sometimes exported for medicinal uses.
Farm Services
- Coffee Shade
- Soil Improvement
- Reforestation
Coffee Shade: it offers a sparse to medium shade with a straight trunk and has a small amount of leaf and branch fall
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Its seeds are consumed by blue-headed parrots and it harbors insects in leaves, flowers and bark that are consumed by insectivorous birds.
Citations
Citations
Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2022-06-22. tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Colubrina+glandulosa;
Tortosa, R. 2022-7-11. Colubrina glandulosa G.Perkins En Bernal, R., S.R. Gradstein & M. Celis (eds.). 2015.;
Catálogo de plantas y líquenes de Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. http://catalogoplantasdecolombia.unal.edu.co;
Román, Francisco, et al. Guía para la propagación de 120 especies de árboles nativos de Panamá y el neotrópico. 2012.