Abstract
S. multijuga, a tree native to the neotropics, ranges in size at maturity from 6-40 m, although more commonly it takes the form of a medium, slender tree ranging from 6-15 m with a wide-spreading crown (Irwin and Barneby, 1982; Killeen et al., 1993; Parrotta et al., 1995). Many flaky lenticels cover the thin bark. Bark cuts produce an unpleasant smell. The dark green leaves are compound and alternate and grow up to 30 cm, with 25 pairs of opposed or sub-opposed leaflets varying in size and number. Yellow flowers are produced which also vary in size. Seeds are produced in flat, red to purple pods. The narrow, oblong seeds are compressed, range from 1.5-2.1 mm in size, and have a pale, brownish-grey testa (Irwin and Barneby, 1982). Within its natural distribution, a profuse bloom of bright yellow flowers usually occurs during the middle to late rainy season. Seed dormancy is common, although the time that seeds remain viable in the soil is not known. Research has shown that mechanical scarification of the seeds greatly increases germination rate (Lemos Filho et al., 1997). Although the species is relatively disease-free, there are a number of bruchid beetles that predate upon the seeds (Ribeiro and Reynaud, 1998).