Dalbergia Preservation
 
We are converting our website to a Members only access. Though our efforts are to bring awareness to the plight of endangered tree species, our PRIORITY is to ensure their survival. Unfortunately, that requires financial support. We have worked long and hard to make the achievements we have made, though it hasn't come without sacrifice. Up to this point, our project has been personally funded and we have openly shared our experience, knowledge, and photos of our progress. We realize these are trying times for everyone, and we are no exception. Without support from concerned individuals, our project would be in jeapordy. We refuse to let that happen. We openly offer the opportunity for anyone to be part of our project and take this journey with us. With a $25 annual Donation, you will become a supporting member and will be able to continue a virtual trip with us. We have a passion for our work and enjoy sharing our experience, photos and knowledge. If you would like to become an active member of support, please make a minimum $25 donation HERE and we will email you a username / password so you can continue unrestricted access to our website.

Those who have previously donated will automatically be given a one year access membership.
God Bless everyone who has been a part of our effort in 2008 and we hope for a more progressive 2009.
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Not only will you find beautiful photos and updates of our progress in our members section, you'll also find various published reports and studies carried out in Brazil on the Dalbergia Species. Mostly noted on Dalbergia Nigra.

INTRODUCTION
The genus Dalbergia (Fabaceae - Papilionoideae) comprises more than 100 species of trees, shrubs and lianas distributed pantropically (Polhill, 1981), of which 41 species occur in Brazil (Carvalho, 1997). Many of these species are economically important due to their attractive and valuable timber; however, over-exploitation and habitat fragmentation have caused them to be in danger of extinction in the tropics, such as D. nigra (Brazilian rosewood; Ribeiro et al., 2005). Carvalho (1989) performed a systematic study of the genus Dalbergia in Brazil, combining reviews of taxonomic history and biogeography, and data on vegetative and reproductive morphology, comparative anatomy of leaf and fruits, as well as of leaf flavonoids and pollen morphology. The genus Dalbergia is recognized as having five sections defined by inflorescence and fruit characters: sects. Dalbergia L.f., Triptolemea (Mart. ex Benth.) Benth., Selenolobium Benth., Pseudecastaphyllum A.M. de Carvalho, and
Ecastaphyllum (P.Browne) Ducke (Carvalho, 1997). Such a classification reflects the phylogenetic relationships among Dalbergia species (Carvalho, 1989), but DNA sequence data are necessary to corroborate the relationships.

Read the rest of this 15 page report on Comparative analysis of different DNA extraction protocols in fresh and herbarium specimens of the genus Dalbergia in our new members section.
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We have recently introduced two new species into our project.
Dalbergia Villosa
Though I was aware of this elusive species and had long sought a seed source for it, I found it quite by accident. While traveling a remote dirt road in northern Brazil, I saw a newly topped tree on a private land. The dark rosewood color that was showing in the newly cut ends of the branches, definitely grabbed my attention. When I found the owner of the property, he explained the trees were topped to stimulate branching for shade. Though this species is also almost extinct in it's original "Old Growth" state of wild, unknown to me, it is somewhat commonly used for shading yards and homes in the most remote and hottest areas of Brazil. I suppose one could say it is an evergreen of sorts because it maintains it's leaves almost year round, except during the short duration of seed production when it sheds it leaves in anticipation of the new years growth. A good reason it is a tree of choice for shade.

Not only does this tree produce beautiful dark wood very similar to D.Nigra but, also is a beautiful ornamental tree as well. With it's bright yellow and aromatic flowers, it is a positive attraction to bees which it depends on for pollenation. It is relatively fast growing and adapts well to poor soil conditions. It can also withstand the extremely hot and long drought periods that are common in some regions of northern Brazil.

We are introducing it into the south florida area to study it's adaptability to this region.
 
Note the dark heartwood
Seeds
Flowers
Newly germinated Seedlings

You will find these images enlarged and HIGH RESOLUTION in our members section

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Cuban Mahogany (Swietenia Mahagoni)
We were able to collect seeds this year from some of the trees that are growing in South Florida. We are currently germinating these in hopes to be planted sometime next year. This is a fairly fast growing tree that reaches approximately 60 feet. Though the wood is beautiful and highly desired, the trees main trunk is usually short, sometimes twisted and has immense branching at a lower level than that of it's close relative Honduran Mahogany. Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla) grows much taller, straighter and has much less branching, thus yielding much longer and straighter logs. Note the difference in the photos.
Swietenia Macrophylla (Honduran)
Swietenia Mahagoni (Cuban)

 
Newly germinated Cuban Mahogany seedlings

 
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Newly Planted Pau Brasil Tree


 
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Newly Planted Dalbergia Nigra Tree


 
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New Addition to our Family...Welcome Joao Scremin !

This photo was taken in Bahia, Brasil 2008

I'd like to personally welcome and thank Joao for his unselfish passion and dedication to the wonders of nature and our project.
Joao is a native of Brasil and as passionate about the preservation of endangered trees in Brasil as we are and we are fortunate
to have met and become very close friends with him. An established Luthier and PHENOMINAL musician as well, he is the newest addition to our family. Without the friendship and dedication of people like Joao, our efforts woud be IMPOSSIBLE. Thanks Joao 
for ALL your help and we'll be seeing you soon !
MUITO OBRIGADO !
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If you've enjoyed this short section of photos and information...please be sure to support us with your Donation which will help insure the continuation and success of our efforts. As well as allowing you to be a part of our members section which will continue to be updated with great (High Resolution) photos and the progress of our work. We need your support.

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