Baphia kirkii
Baker
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Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand (via Wikimedia Commons)
Summary
Source: WikipediaBaphia kirkii is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae. It is found in Mozambique, Tanzania, and possibly Kenya. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description
A tree.
This description is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
A root decoction is drunk to treat epilepsy.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Tanzania,
Other Uses
The heartwood is purplish brown and contains red gum; the sapwood is yellowish white in a layer up to 2cm wide. The grain is straight or slightly wavy; texture fine and even. The wood has a peppery scent. It is very hard; heavy; very durable, with the wood being only rarely attacked by marine borers and termites. The wood is difficult to work with machine tools, rapidly blunting saw teeth and cutters; it finishes and polishes very well; is resilient, with good weathering properties. The wood (trade names: baphia, camwood) is used for furniture (especially table and counter tops), heavy duty flooring and turnery. In tropical Africa it is used for construction of local houses and in boat building, but also for tool handles, pestles, stools and carvings. The wood is used for fuel and also to make charcoal.
References (2)
- ILDIS Legumes of the World http:www;ildis.org/Legume/Web
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
