Beilschmiedia ugandensis
Rendle
Mwasa
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Summary
Source: WikipediaBeilschmiedia ugandensis is a species of plant in the family Lauraceae. It is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is threatened by habitat loss. This species typically grows between 27 and 45 meters in length and between 30 and 100 centimeters in diameter.
Description
A large tree. It grows 9-25 m tall and can reach 45 m. The trunk is often crooked but it can be 50-100 cm across. The tree has a dark heavy crown. The bark is light brown and smooth. It flakes off in large sheets. The leaves are long and oval. They are 8-10 cm long. The tip is blunt or slightly pointed. The leaf stalk is about 1 cm long and has a channel on the upper surface. The flowers are male and female on separate trees. The flowers are small and crowded on sprays in the axils of the leaves. They are 2-10 cm long and pink-brown. The fruit are purple brown and soft and oval. They are 0.5-2.5 cm long with red juice.
Edible Uses
The fruit are used for food.
Traditional Uses
The fruit is used for food.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
A tropical plant. A rainforest tree. It suits humid locations. They are often in swampy areas and damp forest.
Where It Grows
Africa, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, East Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia,
Cultivation
Trees can be grown from seeds. Seeds can be sown in pots then transplanted or planted directly where they are to grow. After fruit have fallen the outer layer can be allowed to rot off by putting the fruit in heaps then the tough seed case cracked to allow the seed to germinate. Seed can be stored for a year if left in the seed case and stored in a cool ventilated place.
Propagation
Seed - cracking the hard seedcoat prior to sowing can speed the germination process. The seed can be sown in pots or directly in situ.
Other Uses
The wood is durable. It is used for construction, furniture making and tool handles; and it has been used for mine props. Traditionally, the trunk is made into dugout canoes. The wood is used for fuel and for charcoal making.
Production
The tree is slow growing.
Notes
There are about 100-250 Beilschmeidia species. They are in the tropics.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Flora Zambesiaca. http://apps.kew.org/efloras (var. katangensis)
- Katende, A.B., Birnie, A & Tengnas B., 1995, Useful Trees and Shrubs for Uganda. Identification, Propagation and Management for Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. Technical handbook No 10. Regional Soil Conservation Unit, Nairobi, Kenya. p 128
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
