Dalbergia cultrata Seeds | Rosewood
LATIN NAME: Dalbergia cultrata
COMMON NAME: Rosewood
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Rosewood (Dalbergia cultrata) stands out as a tree in the pea family. Rosewood is dark-hearted tree of warm forest, and fine, sweet scent of heartwood has carried name across the world. Tall, evergreen or semi-evergreen tree carries pinnate leaves of many small leaflets and small, white, pea-like flowers in axillary clusters through warm season, to be followed by small, flat pods. It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, well-drained ground. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Dalbergia cultrata sits in the pea family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Rosewood brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Rosewood is a fine, historic tree of warm garden and study collection. Rosewood is one of fragrant timber trees of warm forest, and wild stands are best left to care of conservation work. Planted trees grow for future of the wood. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Rosewoods yield the world’s most coveted furniture timber and aromatic heartwood oils; in Chinese medicine the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera, Jiang Xiang, is a classical herb for blood stasis.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Rosewood, and the process is uncomplicated. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Given the right start, Rosewood is a long-term garden companion. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
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