Tree Species information

A medium-sized to large tree with pinnate foliage and white, scented flowers, Its very attractive, hard, heavy and very colorful, red to purplish brown wood is highly prized for musical instruments, especially guitars. The tree also makes a reasonable ornamental for the tropics.

How to germinate Dalbergia nigra seeds

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days[ 419 ]. Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 months[ 419 ]. Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing