Common Name: Hafomena

General Information

Dombeya laurifolia is a shrub or a small tree that usually grows up to 15 metres tall, occasionally reaching 18 metres[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood and a fibre. It is often planted around villages in order to provide a ready source of tying material and fibre[].
Although nine subpopulations of Dombeya laurifolia are found within eight protected areas, the species experiences continuing decline because of its its local uses in construction and rope making, whilst its habitat is threatened by logging, shifting cultivation and mining. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - central Madagascar

Habitat

Dry and/or humid forests, sometimes in rocky locations; at elevations from 140 - 1,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

In cultivation, species in this genus generally grow best in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil and a position in full sun or partial shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used to make ropes[, ]. Properly prepared fibres can be woven in the same way as jute and be used for the production of sacks[]. In the past the bark was beaten with a mallet in order to obtain barkcloth, later the fibre was extracted by crushing the bark, after which the fibre was combed or scutched, making it suitable for spinning and weaving[].
The bark is used as a tying material for bundling rice and other agricultural products[].

The white wood is soft and brittle. It is used for construction and making planks, and is suitable for the production of boxes and crates[, ].

Propagation

Seed is very small but can be extracted from fully ripened, dry flower heads. Its viability declines within 3 months, so fresh seed has to be used for sowing. Seed is to be sown in properly drained seedbeds. Seedlings emerge in about 3 weeks[].
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood, preferably with some bottom heat to encourage rooting[].

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