Common Name:

General Information

Millettia dura varies in habit from a slender or climbing shrub 2 - 5 metres tall to a deciduous tree that can grow up to 13 metres tall. The bole can be 35cm or more in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is sometimes grown in tea plantations in order to provide shade and improve the soil, and can also be used as a pioneer plant when restoring native woodland. A beautiful tree that is spectacular when in bloom, and also providing a good shade, it is suitable for avenue planting and for growing in gardens[].

Known Hazards

Millettia species in general contain a range of toxic substances, especially isoflavones. Rotenone is probably the best known of these isoflavones and it is found especially in the seeds and roots of the plants. Rotenone is often used locally as a fish poison - the rotenone kills or stuns the fish making them easy to catch, but the fish remain perfectly safe for warm-blooded creatures to eat. Rotenone is classified by the World Health Organization as moderately hazardous. It is mildly toxic to humans and other mammals, but extremely toxic to many insects (hence its use as an insecticide) and also to aquatic life, including fish. This higher toxicity in fish and insects is because the lipophilic rotenone is easily taken up through the gills or trachea, but not as easily through the skin or the gastrointestinal tract. The lowest lethal dose for a child is 143 mg/kg, but human deaths from rotenone poisoning are rare because its irritating action causes vomiting. Deliberate ingestion of rotenone, however, can be fatal.
The compound decomposes when exposed to sunlight and usually has an activity of six days in the environment.
Millettia species often also contain other potentially toxic compounds, especially saponins and alkaloids[].

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Uganda, Kenya, eastern DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania.

Habitat

Evergreen forest margins and remnants; wooded savannah; clearings; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of moderate elevations in the tropics, where it can be found at elevations from 1,200 - 2,000 metres. It is found in areas where the mean annual rainfall is within the range 1,100 - 2,000mm[].
Species in this genus generally grow best in a sunny position in a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in a variety of soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[, ].
A fairly fast growing tree[].
The wood is somewhat brittle and prone to wind damage[].
The tree can be managed by lopping, coppicing and pollarding[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This species is fast growing and drought resistant once established, making it a good candidate for afforestation
endeavours[].
An important tree for soil conservation and improvement[].
The tree is intercropped with tea in order to provide shade and improve the soil[].
The leaves are a good mulch material and manure[].

Other Uses

The wood is tough and resistant to termites. It is used for poles and tool handles[]. The termite resistant poles are good for fencing[].
The tree is an important source of firewood and charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - germination is very good with up to 80% of the seed sprouting within 20 days[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].
Seed storage behaviour is orthodox but should be kept dry and insect free. Ash may be added to reduce insect damage[].

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