Common Name: Black Hyedua

General Information

Black hyedua is a tree that can grow up to 45 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 50 - 80cm in diameter with buttresses up to 4 metres high[, ]
The tree is valued for its timber, which can be used as a substitute for rosewood. It is commonly harvested from the wild, and is traded internationally.
Exploitation rates of the wood are high and causing population declines. The tree has previously been listed as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009)[], but more recent research has found that the tree is more common than previously thought. It is currently classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western tropical Africa - Liberia to Gabon.

Habitat

Different forest types, from closed rainforest to drier semi-deciduous forest, at elevations from 500 - 700 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	45.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
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 yellow brown to dark brown, with grey to blackish veins and copper glints; it is clearly demarcated from the 4 - 7cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is fine; the grain interlocked; there is a moire aspect on quartersawn wood. The wood is heavy, hard, elastic; it is very durable, being resistant to fungi, dry wood borers and termites. It seasons somewhat slowly, with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. The wood has a fairly high blunting effect - stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; there is sometimes a white efflorescence on sawnwoods - this can be removed by washing with warm water; the interlocked grain can produce some difficulties in working the wood; nailing and screwing are good, but require pre-boring; gluing is correct. The wood is a popular substitute for rosewood. It is used for purposes such as fine furniture and cabinetwork, turnery, decorative veneers' panelling and flooring[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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