AgroForestryTree Database
Caesalpinia decapetala
 Species identityEcology and distributionPropagation and managementFunctional usesPests and diseasesAdditional InfoBibliographyImages |
Species identity
TaxonomySynonym(s)
Common names
(Filipino) : mysore thorn
(Indonesian) : secang lembut (Sundanese)
(Thai) : kamchai
(Vietnamese) : vu'ot hum
Botanic description
A prickly, climbing or scandent shrub, up to 10 m tall. Pinnae in 4-15 pairs, leaflets in 5-12 pairs, oval oblong, 8-25 mm x 3-10 mm shortly petiolate. Flowers in long racemes, large, with petals 12-15 mm long, bright yellow. Pods oblong elliptic, 6-10 cm x 2.5-3 cm, keeled or winged, and beaked, 4-8 seeded.
Ecology and distribution
Natural HabitatC. decapetala is found in thickets, light forests and forest borders, in Indo-China up to 1200 m. In Indonesia C. decapetala occurs in mountainous areas at altitudes of 1200-1700 m.
C. decapetala is found naturally in tropical to temperate regions in Asia, from the Himalayas south to Sri Lanka and Malesia, and north and east to China, Korea and Japan.
Biophysical limitsAltitude: 1200-1700 m.
Propagation and management
Propagation methodsPlants are propagated by seed.Tree Management
During the first two years, watering is necessary in the dry season. Mature trees require no care, and forage crops can be planted between trees.
Functional uses
ProductsTannin or dyestuff: The bark has tanning properties. Medicine: The seeds can be used as anthelmintic, antipyretic, analgesic and to treat dysentry and malaria.Services
Boundary or barrier or support: C. decapetala is sometimes cultivated as a hedge plant.
Pests and diseasesPests: Stored seeds of C. decapetala are reported to be attacked by beetles.
Additional Information
PropertiesTannin or dyestuff: In C. decapetala leucoanthocyanins compounds have been demonstrated. The character of the tannin in the bark of C. decapetala is unknown.
Trade
C. decapetala was always of local importance only.