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Scyphocephalium mannii

(Benth.) Warb.

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(c) Nick Helme, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nick Helme

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Description

A large tropical tree in the Myristicaceae family that grows up to 30 m tall with a trunk 60-80 cm across, found in moist lowlands up to 400 m elevation.

Edible Uses

The seeds are used as a spice.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the moist lowlands up to 400 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, Cameroon, Congo R, Gabon, Nigeria, West Africa,

Cultivation

A plant of the moist, lowland tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 400 metres.

Other Uses

The wood contains a red latex. The heartwood is dark red-brown or orange-brown with some gray streaks; it is not clearly demarcated from the 5 - 15cm wide band of grey-buff sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight to slightly interlocked. The wood is light to moderately heavy; soft to moderately hard; not durable, being resistant to dry wood borers but susceptible to fungi and termites. It seasons fairly quickly, with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is fairly stable in storage. It saws well and works easily with hand and machine tools; planes to a smooth finish; nailing and screwing are good; gluing is correct. The wood is used for general interior carpentry work, joinery, flooring, furniture components, turnery, carving, boxes and crates etc.

Synonyms

Myristica mannii Benth.Ochocoa gabonii PierreScyphocephalium grandifolium Pierre ex A. Chev.Scyphocephalium ochocoa Warb.

References (2)

  • Ferns Useful Tropical Plants
  • World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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