Dalbergia nigra aka Bahia Rosewood

Dalbergia nigra is a tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It sheds its leaves. Its names include Brazilian rosewood and Rio rosewood. It comes from eastern Brazil. Its range includes Bahia and Espírito Santo. It also reaches Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. It grows in Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, in old and regrown woods. Wild trees grow on slopes where water drains well. They also grow in damp, rich forest soils.

When grown in gardens, allow about 66 feet (20 metres) for height and spread. Useful Tropical Plants gives heights of 49–82 feet (15–25 metres). The tree has an open crown. Its straight trunk is round when viewed in cross-section. The trunk can reach about 1.3–2.6 feet (0.4–0.8 metres) across. Insects carry pollen to the flowers, and the tree forms seedpods. The sources do not say when it blooms. Nor do they give much detail on its leaves.

Grow this tree in full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, even soils with few nutrients. Its soil pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It grows in dry or moist soil. Once its roots take hold, it can cope with drought. It grows at a medium rate, though young seedlings grow slowly. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 for growing this tree. Root bacteria form nodules, or small lumps. These help the tree use nitrogen from the air. Some of this nitrogen can help nearby plants too.

Gardeners plant Brazilian rosewood for its looks in the landscape. In its native range, it helps start new forest growth. It suits dry-soil sites where people seek to restore forests. Its wood has long served for fine furniture and musical instruments. Makers also use it for tool handles, inlay, and billiard tables. The heavy wood lasts well and smells like roses. It ranges from brown to violet and has dark streaks. Reports that it resists insects refer to the wood. They do not describe the health of the whole tree.

The supplied conservation account lists the species as Vulnerable. It links the decline to forest loss and poor natural regrowth. Rodents eat seeds, which may help explain the few new trees. Fresh seed can sprout in 10–20 days in a nursery. PFAF lists no known food or medicinal uses. Both PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants report no known hazards. This does not prove that any part is safe to eat.