Dalbergia greveana

Dalbergia greveana is a tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. People call it Madagascar rosewood. It grows only in western and south-central Madagascar. It lives in forests and woodlands with a dry season. In some grasslands, it grows as a shrub. Its habitat reaches about 2,625 feet [800 metres] above sea level.

The tree grows slowly and sheds its leaves. Garden sources give heights of 43–49 feet [13–15 metres]. Some wild trees reach 66 feet [20 metres]. Its spread can reach 39 feet [12 metres]. The trunk is often short and bent. It can reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] across. Insects pollinate its flowers. The tree bears seedpods. Seed yield and new growth vary across its range. Near Morondava, trees can yield many seeds and young plants. Elsewhere, it seems to renew itself less well than related local species.

The tree needs sun and does not grow in shade. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils that drain well. It can grow in dry or moist ground. It tolerates soils from very acid to mildly alkaline. Sources place it in USDA zones 10–12. It can fix nitrogen. Stored seeds may benefit from scarification and soaking before sowing. Scarification means breaking or wearing down the seed coat. This helps water pass through the coat. The sources give no bloom season or detailed garden pest advice.

People cut the tree for its hard, heavy wood. The inner wood is purple-brown and often has darker bands. The outer wood is lighter. The grain tends to run straight. The wood has a fine, even texture. Once dry, it holds its shape well. People use it for furniture, cabinets, floors, and musical instruments. Other uses include poles, tool handles, and fuel. The wood resists termites and Lyctus beetles. Marine borers cause more damage. Its hardness wears down saw teeth. Its oily surface can weaken glue and finishes.

Heavy logging has cut tree numbers throughout its range. Useful Tropical Plants reports its 2019 IUCN status as Vulnerable. These sources list no food uses or known hazards. This lack of reported risks does not prove safety. In traditional medicine, people make a water-based paste from branches. They apply it to the face for various ailments. Lab tests found that some bark extracts act against gram-positive bacteria. Those results do not prove a home treatment safe or effective.