Andira inermis
(Fabaceae)
Names and origins
Characters
Ecology
Uses
Conservation
This field has a content
Forest type (costal, hill, lowland, peatswamp, mountains, kerangas...)
Forest Layer (emergent, canopy, understory, forest floor, liana...)
Pioneer tree, late sucessional tree
Symbiotic microorganisms (Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, ectomycorrhiza)
Seed dispersal by animals
Pollination by birds, bats, bees, beetles
Symbiosis with animals, ants
Flowering habits and frequency
Seed germination conditions and time
<p><i>Andira inermis</i> is a nitrogen-fixing tree where thrives in well-drained sandy soil, but can also withstand clay soils with poor drainage. It can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from evergreen tropical rain forests to dry savannahs. Commonly seen in riparian zones and areas with a high water table, it grows along roadsides, riverbanks, woodlands, and pastures, from sea level up to 900 meters in elevation. Bees have been observed visiting its flowers. Propagation is typically done through seeds, which should be scarified before planting in seed beds or plastic bags. Germination usually begins at week 5 and peaks at week 16, with a success rate between 43% and 56%. One-year-old plants measuring at least 50 cm tall can be transplanted during the rainy season. Seedlings require low light for establishment and increased light for growth. Direct sowing of seeds is recommended, with two to three seeds per station in the field. Tree requires minimum maintenancein the field. Seeds are naturally dispersed by bats or small mammals.</p>