Until 2002, this species was deemed to include plants that are now recognised as the distinct species Cola lukei[]. It is quite likely that the uses of the two species are interchangeable[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cola usambarensis is an evergreen tree growing 10 - 15 metres tall.
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood
Although there is still some confusion over the full range of this species, there is no doubt that C. Usambarensis is at risk and that its habitat is declining due to the illegal harvest of building materials. It is here assessed as 'Critically Endangered', reflecting that it is only known from a single location, that there is a decline in habitat quality and that its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometres[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - northern Tanzania.

Habitat

Rainforests at elevations from 910 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The tree produces flowers along the trunk and branches[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is used in the treatment of at least five ailments (no more details are given)[].

Other Uses

Rope is made from the bark[, ].

The wood is hard, heavy and tough. It is used for poles, tool handles, etc[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed -

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