Bowdichia virgilioides

Bowdichia virgilioides, known as alcornoco, belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from Costa Rica into tropical South America. It grows in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It lives in both rain forest and savannah woodland. Within these habitats, it favours open sites where soil drains well.

Its size and leaf habit change with its habitat. Garden references give a height of 66 feet [20 metres]. They give a spread of about 59 feet [18 metres]. Savannah trees reach about 26–52 feet [8–16 metres] and shed their leaves. Rain forest trees can stay evergreen and reach 118 feet [36 metres]. Their branch-free trunks may extend 66 feet [20 metres]. Other accounts describe the tree as partly deciduous. Its rich flower display gives it value as an ornamental tree. Insects pollinate the flowers.

Grow this tree in full sun rather than shade. It suits sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Dry or moist conditions suit it, and established trees withstand drought. It can also grow on poor soils. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 10–12. Sources differ on growth rate, calling it medium or fast. Young trees may reach 10 feet [3 metres] within two years. Root nodules house bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air. Nearby plants may use some of that nitrogen.

The tree serves in landscape planting and woodland restoration. Useful Tropical Plants also reports its use along narrow streets. Its tolerance of sun and poor soil supports its pioneer role. People harvest wild trees for timber and local medicinal use. The heartwood ranges from brown to reddish brown. A thin, pale band of sapwood surrounds it. The wood has a coarse texture and often wavy grain. It is hard, strong, heavy, and durable. It resists insect damage, though hand tools struggle with it.

PFAF lists no known food uses and no known hazards. That does not establish safety for people or pets. Traditional remedies use bark and root tubercles for skin complaints. People also rub seed oil onto painful joints. These reported uses do not establish medical safety or benefit. Seeds have a hard coat that can slow germination. Scarification and soaking can help water enter the seed. Untreated seed has a low germination rate. It may take 30–60 days to sprout.