Aspidosperma eburneum

Aspidosperma eburneum is a tree in the Apocynaceae family. It keeps its leaves year-round. It is native to west-central and southeastern Brazil. It grows in forests where the tropics have dry seasons. Kew lists it as a tree native to that region. Useful Tropical Plants notes doubts about the species' identity. It cites an older Brazilian flora that left this question open. Bear this doubt in mind when matching plants to this name.

Sources put its height near 66 feet [20 metres]. Plants For A Future gives a spread of 49 feet [15 metres]. It lists the growth rate as medium. These sizes describe a large tree, not a small garden plant. The sources say it keeps its leaves all year. They give no other details about the leaves. They give no clear facts about its bark or stems. They do not describe its crown or how its branches grow. These size figures do not show a tested garden range.

Both plant databases say insects pollinate the flowers. Neither says when it blooms or what the flowers look like. They give no fruit shape, seed form, or fruiting dates. The sources say growers can raise the tree from seed. They do not explain how to sow or sprout it. Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. Both databases list no known uses as medicine. These gaps do not prove that the tree is safe.

Plants For A Future places it in USDA zones 10–12. It calls for sun and says shade does not suit it. It lists sand, loam, and clay that drain well. It calls for moist soil. The stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Yet both accounts say little is known about growing it. Its home has a dry season. That alone does not prove it withstands drought in gardens. The supplied records name no pests or diseases of this species.

Timber is the main use that the sources record. People cut wild trees for their valued yellow wood. Its fine, close grain suits cabinet work and engraving. Published accounts also list its use for mathematical scales. They describe it as a substitute for West Indian satinwood. The supplied species summary gives a warning about fresh-cut wood. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. The broader hazard notes apply to the genus. They do not concern this species alone.