Calycophyllum spruceanum
Specifications
Family
Myrtaceae
Species
Calycophyllum spruceanum D. legrand
naked tree
Description
Grayish or light brown wood, with a fine, uniform texture and straight grain. The density at normal moisture content ranges from 0.80 to 0.90. Drying is relatively rapid but tends to crack. Its relative difficulty in working is due to its hardness. It is easily attacked by insects, a factor to be considered if it is intended for permanent uses such as construction or heavy carpentry.
Plant morphology
It reaches a height of 15 to 40 meters, with a trunk diameter of 30 to 40 cm. The crown is columnar and can reach 4 to 8 meters in diameter. The trunk is straight, with branches only at the apex. It sheds its bark annually in long vertical strips, revealing a very smooth, shiny, and reddish surface. For this reason, it remains free of pests, diseases, lichens, and creepers. Due to this annual cycle, the bark of the paumulatus gradually varies in color, ranging from greenish to brown, passing through reddish and silver. The leaves are simple, entire, large, and non-deciduous. The flowers, like small, scented stars, arranged in clusters, appear in autumn and winter, producing abundant nectar and attracting pollinators. The fruits that follow are capsules that ripen in spring and summer, releasing tiny winged seeds. The species is dispersed by wind and water.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.
Habitat and ecology
It is common in the Amazon region, throughout the riverbank areas. The tree is distinguished primarily by the sculptural and ever-changing beauty of its trunk, which makes it popular in landscaping.
Uses
Application areas
Mainly used for light carpentry and small fine jobs.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Not reported.
Conservation measures
A corporation in Colombia (Corpoamazonia - Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the Southern Amazon) has a collection of live specimens that it propagates and reintroduces into the wild (BGCI 2024).
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2018
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2018
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Slightly obvious
Texture
Fine
Miscellaneous
Pau mulato, or mulateiro, is deeply rooted in the herbal medicine of the Amazon region. It seems that on full moon nights, Amazonian warrior women bathed in a preparation made from the tree's bark to stay forever young and beautiful, which is why the natives call it the plant of youth.