Nuxia congesta
R. Br. ex Fresen.
Common wild elder
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) bryanadkins, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Richard Gill, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Richard Gill
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) i_c_riddell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by i_c_riddell
Summary
Source: WikipediaNuxia congesta, commonly known as brittle-wood, is a species of tree in the Stilbaceae family, with an extensive range in the Afrotropics. The species is named congesta for its dense inflorescences.
Description
A tropical tree in the Stilbaceae family, growing on forest edges. It has been recorded at elevations up to 1,800 m in Nigeria.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The fruit is eaten.
Medicinal Uses
The leaves and bark may be chewed or boiled and the decoction drunk as a remedy for indigestion.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edge of forests. In NIgeria it has been recorded at 1,800 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, West Africa,
Cultivation
A plant of moist regions in the tropics, where it can be found at elevations from 1,500 - 2,500 metres. It is found in areas where the mean annual temperature can range from 14 - 26°c; and the mean annual rainfall from 1,400 - 2,500mm. The plant can succeed on marginal and rocky soils. The tree can sucker freely after a forest fire.
Other Uses
The branches are used as firesticks. The white wood is soft, with little difference between heartwood and sapwood. The whitish-yellow wood is hard and heavy. It is used in construction and for poles in traditional buildings. The wood makes excellent, durable fenceposts. The wood is used for fuel. A pioneer species in its native habitat, able to establish on difficult and rocky soils. It can be used for re-establishing native woodlands.
Also Known As
Lgotoi
References (2)
- Bussman, R. W., 2006, Ethnobotany of the Samburu of Mt. Nyiru, South Turkana, Kenya. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2:35
- Heine, et al, Species encountered and used on Mt Nyiru.
