Common Name:

General Information

Conocarpus lancifolius is an evergreen tree, usually growing 10 - 20 metres tall but exceptionally to 30 metres. The bole can be 90cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of a good quality wood and fuel. It is often cultivated in Somalia, where it is a very common street tree[].
Although often cultivated, in the wild the tree is restricted to the coast of Somalia. It is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

The crushed leaves are used as a fish poison[].

Botanical References

Range

Northeast Africa - Somalia to Yemen.

Habitat

Locally dominant, growing along watercourses in the semi-desert coastal zone at elevations up to 570 metres[]. Up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the arid tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,000 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 38°c, but can tolerate 15 - 50°c[]. Mature plants can be killed by temperatures of 2°c or lower[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 350 - 500mm, but tolerates 250 - 600mm[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in most soils, preferring one with a light texture[]. Tolerates moderate levels of salt in the soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5, tolerating 6 - 9.5[].
Trees grow better in areas where there roots can find an underground source of water[].
A fast-growing tree, early growth of more than 2.5 metres per year has been achieved in irrigated plantations[].
Annual wood production potential is 5 - 10 m3/ha. Under irrigation however, optimum yields of about 21 m3/ha have been obtained[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A gum obtained from the tree is used to treat chest and bowel complaints[].

Other Uses

The wood is durable in water[]. An excellent timber, it can be used for ship building[, ].
The wood provides a good fuel and a high quality charcoal can be made from it[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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