Fabaceae FAMILY Least Concern

Dalbergia parviflora

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitClimber

Growth—

Dalbergia parviflora is a plant of lowland tropical areas. Species in this genus are mainly found in the wild growing in sany soils and on limestone escarpments^[1]. In cultivation they are likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun^[1]. It is doubtful whether this species is the true or the only source of 'kayu laka'; its natural scarcity is difficult to reconcile with the large amounts of incense used^[2]. It is recommended to clarify all the sources of 'kayu laka' and to investigate the prospects of cultivating it to prevent the species being eradicated from the wild^[2]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Propagation

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^[PFAF]. Softwood cuttings of many species, especially if taken from younger plants, will root in a well-drained, sandy medium in a closed case with bottom heat^[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dalbergia+parviflora>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

[1]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[2]Plant Resources of Southeast Asia — http://proseanet.org/ ↩︎Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
[3]IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ↩︎A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
[PFAF]Plants for a Future — pfaf.org ↩︎