Tribe Mimoseae Rank Species | Subfamily Mimosoideae Genus Xylia Higher classification Xylia | |
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Similar Afzelia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia oliveri, Diospyros decandra, Lagerstroemia floribunda | ||
Description and properties
This perennial tree is very conspicuous in the flowering season owing to its bright yellow flowers.
X. xylocarpa produces hardwood, and in Vietnam it is classified as an 'ironwood' with its name referring to use in traditional cart making. The cross-section of a trunk has a distinctive yellowish-white and thick outer layer, with a crimson-dark core of fine grain and high density (1.15 with 15% moisture content). The wood pulp may be used for making wrapping paper.
The seeds of this tree are edible. This tree is considered a medicinal plant in India. In Thailand its leaves are used to treat wounds in elephants.
Distribution and common names
This tree is found in South and Southeast Asia; it is known as Pyinkado (Burmese: ပျဉ်းကတိုး) in Burma, Căm xe in Vietnam, Sokram (សុក្រម) in Cambodia and Jamba in Karnataka (India). It has also been planted in certain parts of East Africa.
Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch.) is known as daeng (แดง) in the Thai language. This species, naturally adapted to conditions in Thailand, is used in reafforestation at certain denuded or environmentally degraded areas of the country.
