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The Mystical Red Suede Tree: Unveiling its Significance, Captivating Beauty, and the Art of Cultivation for Home Gardens

The Vietnamese Red Sandalwood, a rare and precious tree species, boasts immense economic value. Uncover the origins, significance, and classification of this remarkable tree, and explore three stunning visual captures of its beauty.

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27 July, 2024

Red balau, or red balau, is a highly valuable export commodity with a high economic value. Its roots have a strong grip, making it useful for flood and natural disaster prevention. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics, cultivation, significance, and identification of this unique tree.

1What is Red Balau?

Origin and Significance of Red Balau

Red balau, also known by its common name, dalbergia tonkinensis, belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a large tree species typically used for indoor furniture.

Significance of Red Balau

Economic Significance

Red balau is characterized by its pleasant fragrance and air-purifying properties. It is now classified as a rare and precious wood, commanding a very high price. A ten-year-old red balau tree can fetch up to 10 million VND per kilogram.

During the royal era, red balau was used for high-end interiors, fragrances, and medicinal purposes. Today, it is crafted into furniture such as tables, cabinets, chairs, and Buddha statues.

In traditional medicine, oil extracted from red balau wood is an effective treatment for bone inflammation.

Red balau fetches a high price

Feng Shui Significance

In feng shui, red balau is believed to bring prosperity to its owners. Its distinctive fragrance is considered beneficial to one’s health. This type of wood is often used to make furniture, Buddha statues, and statues of gods to attract good fortune and wealth.

Feng shui significance of red balau

Characteristics and Classification of Red Balau

Red balau is a large tree species with distinctive features:

It is a woody tree with a sturdy trunk, a wide-spreading canopy, and an average height of 6-12 meters. It is currently listed as a rare and protected species.
Its leaves resemble bird feathers, with 10-15 leaves per branch, growing alternately, and a greenish hue.
The flowers of the red balau are pale yellow, usually growing in clusters, and blooming between February and March each year.
The wood of the red balau is reddish-brown with a fine grain, making it ideal for furniture, doors, etc. Red balau trees are commonly found in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands. They can also be spotted in rural temples, family gardens, and along ancient streets and parks in Hanoi.

Pale yellow flowers of the red balau

Distinguishing Red and White Balau

Distinctive Features	Red Balau	White Balau
Leaves	Leaves grow alternately	Leaves grow symmetrically
Flowers	Red balau flowers grow in clusters, are small, and pale yellow	White balau flowers are large and white
Trunk and Fruit	The trunk of the red balau is brown and rough.	The white balau trunk is green and smooth.

Distinguishing red and white balau

2Cultivation and Care of Red Balau

Home Cultivation of Red Balau

Selecting Seedlings

Choose seedlings that are 30-100cm tall, 3-6 months old, and have a root diameter of 4-5mm.

Avoid seedlings that show signs of pests or diseases.

Choose healthy seedlings

Preparing the Soil

Red balau can tolerate low humidity environments, so moisten the soil before planting.

Mix the soil with bio-organic fertilizer and manure to ensure it is loose and rich in nutrients for the tree’s growth.

The ideal size for each planting hole is 50*50*50cm.

Mixing soil with bio-organic fertilizer

Planting Season

The planting season varies depending on the region due to differences in climate. For Northern Vietnam, the best time to plant is from February to April; for the North-Central region, it is from August to November; for the South-Central region, it is from October to January; and for the Southern and Central Highlands regions, it is from June to September.

Planting season for red balau

Planting Techniques for Red Balau

Step 1 After purchasing the seedlings, remove the outer plastic bag and trim the root ball, leaving only the soil with the attached roots.

Step 2 Place the seedling in the prepared hole.

Step 3 Fill the hole with soil and tamp it down to stabilize the tree and prevent it from falling over.

Planting techniques for red balau

Caring for Red Balau

Red balau is easy to grow and thrives in well-lit areas, making its care relatively simple.

Watering Techniques

Red balau prefers moist conditions, so watering it 2-3 times a week is sufficient to meet its water needs.

Watering the red balau

Pruning

Pruning dry and old branches stimulates new growth, encourages the development of new buds, and reduces the risk of pest infestations.

Fertilizing

During the first three years of growth, clear weeds around the base of the tree and fertilize 2-3 times a year with 0.1-0.2kg of NPK fertilizer per tree.

In subsequent years, weed once or twice a year and continue fertilizing, increasing the amount of NPK fertilizer by 0.1-0.2kg per tree with each passing year to ensure adequate nutrition.

Fertilizing the red balau

Pest and Disease Control

Red balau’s distinctive fragrance naturally repels insects, making it relatively pest-resistant. However, it is important to control soil-borne diseases by applying lime around the tree’s base once or twice a year.

Preventing fungal diseases in red balau

Notes on Cultivating and Caring for Red Balau

– Ensure you select the right type of soil for planting to promote the tree’s health.

– Pay attention to the weather and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

– Provide adequate sunlight for the tree’s growth.

– Fertilize and protect the tree from pests and diseases.

3Three Beautiful Images of Red Balau

White balau flowers on a Hanoi street

A sea of white balau flowers

White balau flowers on the street

This article has provided a detailed overview of the characteristics, cultivation, significance, and identification of red balau. We hope you found this information useful.

Frequently asked questions

The Red Suede Tree, or Erythrina corallodendron, is a mystical and captivating tree native to the tropics of Central and South America. Its name derives from the striking red color of its flowers and the soft, velvety texture of its seeds, resembling suede fabric. This tree has a rich cultural significance in its native regions, often associated with mythology and spirituality due to its unique appearance and healing properties.

The tree is renowned for its stunning visual appeal. It boasts vibrant red flowers that bloom in clusters, creating a striking contrast against the tree’s dark green foliage. The flowers are followed by distinctive seedpods that further enhance the tree’s ornamental value. The seeds within these pods have a unique texture, giving them a suede-like appearance, which has inspired the tree’s common name.

Growing the Red Suede Tree in your home garden can be a rewarding experience. It prefers tropical or subtropical climates and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with moderate moisture. Full sun exposure is ideal, although it can tolerate partial shade. Proper pruning is essential to maintain its shape and size, and regular fertilization will promote healthy growth. Be mindful that it may attract bees and butterflies due to its nectar-rich flowers, adding to its ecological significance.

Indeed, the Red Suede Tree holds cultural and spiritual importance in its native regions. In Central and South American folklore, it is often associated with magic and healing. The tree’s flowers and seeds have been used in traditional medicine, and its distinctive appearance has made it a subject of artistic inspiration. Some believe that the tree possesses protective powers, bringing good luck and warding off negative energies.

Cultivating the Red Suede Tree offers a range of benefits. Firstly, it can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden or landscape with its vibrant color and unique texture. Additionally, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting ecological balance and supporting the health of other plants in your garden. Furthermore, the tree’s cultural and medicinal significance adds to its value, making it a fascinating conversation piece for those interested in botany, culture, and history.