Common Name:

General Information

Gilbertiodendron limba is an evergreen tree with a heavy, spreading, drooping crown; it can grow from 12 - 25 metres tall (the tallest trees are commonly found in Ghana[]). The crooked bole is often low-branching, though it is sometimes clear; it can be up to 70cm in diameter and is unbuttressed[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.
Deforestation is a major problem in West Tropical Africa as a result of a range of anthropogenic activities. The conversion of land for agriculture, logging and the international trade of timber, mismanagement and mining are major contributors to habitat loss and degradation. Whilst as yet this species does not qualify for a threatened category, continued losses of forest within the species' range could push this taxon into a threatened category. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to Ghana.

Habitat

Wet to more or less swampy places; marigot side and near streams in deciduous forest; rain-forest; in valley bottoms[]. Widespread and gregarious in evergreen forest, including swamp forest, riverine forest and secondary forest[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Gilbertiodendron limba is usually found in areas with an average annual rainfall of 1,500 - 2,500mm[].

The seedlings grow slowly, but are tolerant of shade[].
Natural regeneration is abundant under mother trees[].
Ectomycorrhizae are present on the roots[].
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

The leaves have been used as a treatment against fever[]. Leafy twigs are used for the treatment of pelvic inflammation in women[].
The roasted leaves, when ground to a powder and mixed with water and ashes, are used as a poultice on ulcers[, ].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark brown, and distinctly demarcated from the yellowish sapwood. The sapwood usually has a lustrous surface. The texture is medium. The wood is heavy and hard, easy to work and durable. It is used for planks, flooring, joinery and canoes. It is recommended for heavy construction, vehicle bodies, stairs and railway sleepers[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -
Seeds usually germinate in 8–15 days, with germination rates over 80%[].

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