Astronium graveolens - Goncalo alves / Glassywood
Family:
Native to:
Habitat:
Anacardiaceae
Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as Bolivia
Canopy tree in dry and humid tropical forests. 5-1000 meters above sea level. 35 meter tall tree.
Ecological value:
Attracts pollinators such as insects. Moderately fast growing pioneer. Tolerant of shade. There are 12 species in this genus, commonly referred to as the Cashew family. Leaves characterized by alternate and odd-pinnate growth.
Material uses:
Wood, moderately hard, heavy and durable. One of the most durable construction timbers. Used in cabinetry and fine furniture, in tools, turnery, musical instruments, interior applications and in decorative veneers.
Edible uses:
No record on this species.
Medicinal use:
No record on this species.
Other details:
Commonly exported timber. Used for ornamental purposes. Flowers during the dry season. Belongs to the Anacardiaceae family which are characterized by fruits shaped as drupes. Small holes are found throughout the wood in this family.
Research:
Jiahuan Cheng/Christine Facella
Sources:
“Astronium Graveolens Jacq. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science.” n.d. Plants of the World Online. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:69240-1/general-information.
“Anacardiaceae.” 2021. Wikipedia. July 17, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacardiaceae.
“Astronium Graveolens - Useful Tropical Plants.” n.d. Tropical.theferns.info. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Astronium+graveolens.
Uphof. J. C. Th., ‘Dictionary of Economic Plants’, Weinheim, 1959
Image source: David J. Stang