Common Name: Black Stinkwood

General Information

Black stinkwood is a slow-growing, evergreen tree reaching a height of 4 - 30 metres. It has a clean, tapering bole up to 1.8 metres in diameter that can develop fluting and buttresses when mature[].
The tree provides a very high quality timber, and is also one of the most popular traditional medicines in S. Africa. It is one of the top ten widely traded plants in South Africa[]. This popularity, however, has had a serious effect upon wild populations leading to Government action to try and preserve remaining stocks[, ]. Specimens of this species may not be cut, disturbed, damaged, destroyed and their products may not be possessed, collected, removed, transported, exported, donated, purchased or sold, except under license granted by the Dept of Water Affairs and Forestry[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - South Africa.

Habitat

Occurs naturally in most of the high forests of South Africa, from the kloofs of Table Mountain to the mountain forests of Limpopo[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of subtropical and tropical areas, where it is found at elevations from near sea level to 1,435 metres[].
Thrives in a deep soil[]. Prefers a shady forest situation[].
This is a fairly fast growing tree if happy with its position, but stinkwoods are reported to be 'fussy' and do not transplant easily[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

This species is one of the most popular herbal medicines in S. Africa, where it is especially valued as a treatment for headaches.
Various neolignans have been isolated from, and are considered to be the major components of, the stem bark. Some of these neolignans have shown anti-inflammatory action[].
Phytochemical tests indicate the presence of tannins, previously recorded at levels of 3 - 6%[].

The bark is astringent, diuretic, emetic[, ]. It is highly regarded as a specific treatment for headache, and is also used to treat emotional and nervous disorders[]. Mixed with other herbs, it has been used to treat infections of the male urinary tract[].
The bark can also be applied as a steam bath to treat pimples[].
The ground bark is used as a snuff, or ignited and the fumes inhaled; aqueous infusions of the bark are taken orally[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins[].

The wood varies in colour from light cream, through brown to almost black. It is hard, finely textured, fairly heavy, takes a fine polish[, ]. Highly esteemed as timber for house-building and for the manufacture of wagons and furniture[, ]. It is one of the best timbers in the region, though it smells disagreeable when freshly cut[].
Stinkwood is one of the most highly valued furniture woods, with many beautiful pieces made. It is also used for doors, windows, wagon parts and gun stocks[].

Propagation

Seed - The seed in the wild is parasitized and the regeneration potential is reduced. The seed must be picked, cleaned and sown immediately. The seed takes up to 30 days to germinate[].
The plant is propagated from cuttings, but it has a low rooting success[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many fingers does the typical human have?