Common Name:

General Information

Berlinia congolensis is a tree that can grow from 3 - 20 metres tall. The bole can be 15 - 65cm in diameter, occasionally reaching 120cm.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. There are no documented reports, but the plant is very likely to be harvested from the wild for local use of its wood - the wood is also likely to be traded, in mixed consignments with other members of the genus.
Berlinia congolensis is known to occur within the protected areas network but the level of deforestation and natural habitat degradation in some of the other areas in which the species occurs are high. There are no estimates of population numbers for this species so population decline cannot be assessed with certainty, however it is not thought to be over the threshold for a threatened category. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo, Angola

Habitat

Lowland humid forest, forest edges, border of swamps, along streams and gallery forest; at elevations from 200 - 900 metres.

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species has been misidentified as Berlinia auriculata and Berlinia confusa when sterile.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used to treat skin conditions[].

Other Uses

Other than one report for medicinal use, there are no documented human uses for this species, however other species in this genus are collected locally for building materials, as well as for food and medicines. This species is closely related to Berlinia confusa and is likely to be used in similar ways. The wood of the various species in this genus is very similar and so this species is likely to be used for purposes such as construction, furniture and flooring[].
Berlinia wood is, in general, similar to white oak (Quercus alba) in durability, density and usefulness. It is an attractive, decorative hardwood that can be used for fine, interior joinery[].

Propagation

Seed -

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