Common Name:

General Information

Brachystegia laurentii is an evergreen tree with a very broad, dense crown; it can grow 18 - 45 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be free of branches for up to 25 metres, 80 - 150cm in diameter with insignificant buttresses[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally and also exported.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, DR Congo.

Habitat

Semi-deciduous dry primary plateau forests on clay soils; dry forest on mountain slopes; riversides; locally common near water; very gregarious[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is light brown with copper brown veins; it is clearly demarcated from the 10 - 15cm wide band of sapwood. The wood is light in weight, soft; moderately durable, the heartwood being resistant to dry wood borers and moderately resistant to fungi and termites. The thick band of sapwood, however, is easily attacked by insects. The wood seasons slowly, with a high risk of checking and distortion; once dry it is stable in service. It works well with ordinary tools; nailing and screwing are good; gluing is correct. The wood is used for many purposes including interior joinery and panelling, cabinet making, furniture, light carpentry, flooring, cooperage, boxes and crates, blockboard and veneer[].

Propagation

Seed -

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