CERRADO STUDY XXIII

Qualea Grandiflora Mart

Pau-terra, Pau-terra-de-folha-larga

It is one of the most dispersed, frequent, abundant and well-known tree species in the Cerrado, being considered one of the icons of the savannah formations of this biome. It occurs in all forms of savannas, from the densest to the thinnest, and in cerrados; Therefore, it is an element typical of acidic, dystrophic soils and very variable in physical properties. It is defoliated from June to August. It begins to produce new leaves in September or October. It flowers from November to January. Disperse the seeds between August and November. It occurs in Suriname, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil, in the federative units of the Central-West region and in the states of Rondônia, Acre, Amazonas, Pará, Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Paraná . Wood is used to build fences and temporary housing in rural areas, make rustic furniture and eventually as a source of energy. The bark is used against skin conditions and canker sores. The gum exuded by the trunk is used against pharyngitis, skin conditions and gastric ulcers. Flowers are a source of nectar for insects. Dried fruits are used to make decorative arrangements. The species, as it forms very pleasant individuals when in flower, deserves efforts to preserve it in urban lots, pastures and roadsides.