- ATLAS OF WOODS
- Species Data Sheet
- ORIGIN: Atlantic Forest · Cerrado
Canafístula
- Peltophorum dubium
Canafístula is a tree native to South America, widely used for the quality of its wood and for its ornamental value. It grows relatively fast and adapts well to different environments, and is also used in reforestation and environmental restoration.
Family
Fabaceae
Color
Yellowish brown to reddish brown
Density
0.65 to 0.80 g/cm³
Uses
Building construction, furniture, carpentry, rural structures, flooring, plywood, boards and beams.
Grain
Usually straight
Conservation Passport
- CITES
- Not listed
- BRAZILIAN RED LIST
- Not on the official list
- LEGISLATION
- Not on the official list of threatened species: harvesting of native trees only with an approved PMFS or a clearing authorization from the environmental agency, and transport with a DOF (Sinaflor).
About the species
Canafístula (Peltophorum dubium) is a tree species native to South America, belonging to the Fabaceae family.
It is one of Brazil’s most important native species, widely used in urban tree planting, environmental restoration and timber production.
A tree of great economic, ecological and ornamental value, it stands out for its quality wood, fast growth and intense yellow flowering.
It is notable for its strong wood, its ornamental crown and its adaptation to different environmental conditions.
The Fabaceae family is one of the largest plant families, including many timber-producing tropical trees.
The species has several common names across the different regions of South America. These names reflect characteristics of the plant, mainly the color of its flowers and the shape of its fruits.
- Common names
Historical and cultural significance
– Canafístula has historical and economic importance in several regions of Brazil, traditionally used for building construction, furniture making, rural structures and the restoration of riparian forests.
– It has ornamental value and is used in urban tree planting and landscaping, as its intense yellow flowers make the tree highly appreciated in parks and avenues.
Botanical classification
- DOMAIN
- Eukaryota
- KINGDOM
- Plantae
- DIVISION
- Magnoliophyta
- CLASS
- Magnoliopsida
- ORDER
- Fabales
- FAMILY
- Fabaceae
- GENUS
- Peltophorum
- SPECIES
- Peltophorum dubium
Natural distribution
- States of occurrence
- Ecology and habitat
– It grows in well-drained, clayey, moist and deep soils, especially along riverbanks; in tropical and subtropical climates; and in open areas and secondary forests.
– Heliophilous species (requires direct light).
– Countries of occurrence (South America): Brazil / Argentina / Paraguay / Bolivia
– Biomes in Brazil: Atlantic Forest / Cerrado
– Vegetation types: Seasonal forests / Forest transition areas
Tree morphology
- SIZE
- Medium to large size, with trees between 15 and 30 m tall.
- TRUNK
- Straight and cylindrical.
- BARK
- Thick, with fissures.
- CROWN
- Broad and ornamental.
- DBH
- 40 to 80 cm.
- LEAVES
- Bipinnately compound.
- FRUIT
-
Flat pods containing seeds.
Flowers: Yellow and showy.
Maturity and harvest
- Timeline · from seed to senescence
Economic harvest · 20 to 30 years
economic harvest age
Full maturity · 25 to 35 years
peak quality
– Canafístula grows moderately to fast.
– Forest management sets a minimum cutting diameter, usually between 45 and 55 cm DBH.
Wood characteristics
- HEARTWOOD
- Yellowish brown to reddish brown.
- SAPWOOD
- Light yellow, clearly distinct from the heartwood.
- TEXTURE
- Medium.
- GRAIN
- Usually straight.
- Working properties
– Mechanical strength: good.
– Dimensional stability: good.
– Workability: good.
– Natural durability: moderate to high.
– Density: Medium to high (0.65 to 0.80 g/cm³).
– Classification: It is classified as a semi-noble wood due to its good mechanical strength, intermediate durability and moderate commercial value.
Wood uses
- Uses of the tree
– Urban tree planting
– Landscaping
– Reforestation
– Restoration of degraded areas
Conservation and legislation
Additional information
– Canafístula has great economic and environmental potential, standing out for its relatively fast growth, good-quality wood and high ornamental value.
– It is a species widely used in reforestation and urban tree-planting projects.