Fabaceae FAMILY

Sophora chrysophylla

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitDeciduous Tree

Growth—

A plant of the tropics, it is found growing at elevations from near sea level to more than 3,000 metres^[1]. Requires a sunny position^[2]. The tree is exceedingly deep rooted[509. 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^[3].

Propagation

Seed - is easy so long as they are pre-treated. Soak them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water, until they show signs of swelling. If they have not swollen by this time, carefully abrade the seed coat, being careful not to damage the seed within. The seed should now swell up within a few hours in water. Sow them in a nursery seedbed or individual containers in a semi-shaded position and germination should take place in 1 - 2 weeks. Young plants grow away vigorously and can be planted out when they are 20cm tall^[2]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Sophora+chrysophylla>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

[1]The Indiginous Trees of the Hawaiian Islands — Rock J.F. · 1913 · http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org ↩︎A guide to the trees and forests of Hawaii. Rather dated, but a good work. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
[2]Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database — http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/index.asp ↩︎Brief details on over 100 species of Hawaiian plants.
[3]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.
[4]A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. — Usher. G. · Constable · 1974 · ISBN 0094579202 ↩︎Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.