Common Name:

General Information

Markhamia lutea is usually an evergreen shrub or small tree with a narrow, irregular crown; it can grow 10 - 15 metres tall, though it has been reported to reach heights of 40 metres[, , ]. The bole is around 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is occasionally cultivated in DR Congo[]. An attractive plant with large, yellow flowers, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental and also to provide shade and screening[, , ].
Markhamia lutea has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Cote D'Ivoire through Nigeria and Central African Republic to Kenya, south to Congo, DR Congo and Tanzania

Habitat

Fringing and savannah forest[]. Submontane forest[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Markhamia lutea is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations from 700 - 2,000 metres[, ]. It is found in areas where the mean maximum and minimum temperatures fall within the range 18 - 28°c, though it can tolerate 14 - 32°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 800 - 2,000mm, tolerating 600 - 2,400mm and grows in both seasonally dry and all year round rainfall areas[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in a range of soil types, including heavy, acidic clays, so long as they are well-drained[, ]. Established plants are drought resistant[]. Prefers a pH in the range 4.5 - 7, tolerating 4 - 7.5[]. Trees are fairly wind-resistant[].
Young trees can grow rapidly in good forest soils, with annual height increases of more than 2 metres[].
The plant has a long taproot[].
The plant responds well to coppicing and pollarding[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The tree is considered to be an effective treatment for skin-affections, sores and itch[]. The leaves and bark are pounded up with citron juice to a paste, and the liquid is expressed for use as a lotion, while the residual lees may be used with vigorous rubbing[]. In the case of sores, the lees are applied as a wet dressing under a bandage[]. The plant is also used as a rejuvenator and diuretic, and is given [methods not stated] for oedema of the legs and elephantiasis of the scrotum, to treat chancres and rheumatic pain, and is taken for treatment of the respiratory tract and in swamp-fever[].
The leaves and bark are used as medicine for tooth-ache(as a gargle) and for convulsion in children. Roots are also used against venereal diseases and for preventing abortion[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing species, it is a typical pioneer species within its native range[]. The tree is also useful for erosion control, shade and shelter. It provides mulch, which enhances soil-moisture retention and increases organic matter[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is soft, easy to saw, of an exceptional durability and fairly resistant to termites[, ]. It is held to be an excellent timber for interior carpentry and cabinetry. It is also used for paddles on river-craft, building poles, spoons, tool handles and knife sheaths[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel and produces a good charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it stores well at room temperature, but does best when sown fresh[, ]. It usually germinates readily after sowing, though germination rates are often less than 50%[]. It will probably germinate better if sown in a sunny position and the seed left uncovered - though be careful to ensure it does not dry out[].

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