Common Name:

General Information

Xanthocercis rabiensis is a large, evergreen tree; it can grow up to 40 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 300cm in diamete[, ].
Very few specimens of this species are known, but it seems that they are subject to logging for their timber[].
This species was only discovered in 1997, and is currently known only from the type locality in Gabon, though much of Gabon's forests remain to be explored. Much of the forests there are also largely covered by logging concessions. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

We have seen no specific reports for this species but, in line with the other two members of the genus, the sawdust is very likely to irritate the mucous membranes, and protective measures would be needed during sawing operations[].

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Gabon.

Habitat

Primary lowland rain-forest, at elevations around 30 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood of this species is very similar to that of Xanthocercis madagascariensis, though it is slightly lighter in weight[]. The following is a description of Xanthocercis madagascariensis:-

The heartwood is beige-brown to brown, often with lighter patches and dark streaks; it is distinctly demarcated from the 6 - 8 cm wide band of paler sapwood. The grain is often wavy, texture fine and even. The wood is very heavy, hard, durable and resistant to fungi, termites and marine borers. The rates of shrinkage during drying are high. The wood is rather difficult to saw, requiring much power and dulling sawteeth rapidly; it is difficult to work; nailing is almost impossible without pre-boring; it finishes well; staining and polishing give very good results. The wood is used sometimes as a substitute of the wood of Guaiacum officinale for luxury furniture, exterior and interior joinery, luxury flooring, and in boat construction. It is also used for wood carving, and for making butcher’s blocks, pulleys and luxury decorative handles of brushes and implements. The wood is suitable for mine props, vehicle bodies, musical instruments, toys and novelties, turnery, draining boards and pattern making. It is popular for poles that are durable in contact with the ground[].
The wood is used as firewood and for making charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed -

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