It has been proposed that the monotypic genus Pellegriniodendron should be moved to the genus Gilbertiodendron as Gilbertiodendron diphyllum (Harms) Estrella & Devesa. See 'A morphological re-evaluation of the taxonomic status of the genus Pellegriniodendron (Harms) J. Léonard (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae-Detarieae) and its inclusion in Gilbertiodendron J. Léonard'; M. De la Estrella, J.A. Devesa, J.J. Wieringa; South African Journal of Botany, Vol 78 pp 257 - 265 1912. This has been taken up by some botanists (see African Flowering Plants [], but has not yet been widely taken up. At present (2014) we are retaining the genus Pellegriniodendron[].

Common Name:

General Information

Pellegriniodendron diphyllum is a tree with a straggling, rounded crown; it can grow from 15 - 25 metres tall. The bole is up to 30cm in diameter, rarely more; often producing branches from low down that are drooping near the ground[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood.
There has been significant loss of the forests where this species is found because of mining, logging and commercial forestry activities. 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, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo.

Habitat

Small stands in humid places; riversides; in shady parts of evergreen forest[]. Understorey of lowland rainforest, often on humid localities along streams and in moist gullies[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A slow-growing tree[].
Natural regeneration is often abundant, and the seedlings are shade tolerant[]. Mature trees are often found in small, dense groups[].
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

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is brown to reddish brown, often marbled. The texture is moderately fine. The wood is quite heavy and hard. The wood is used for door frames and joinery. It is suitable for cabinet work[, ].

Propagation

Seed -
Germination starts 10 - 28 days after sowing, with a germination rate of 70 - 80%[].

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