Kampala Tree and Palm Directory

Tree Species
Common Name
Tree Description
Tree Uses

English: Pitted-leaf strychnos Kwamba: Wukebu, wulebu Luganda: Mukusakusa Lugishu: Akomya Rutoro: Mugangara.

+ Tree Species

Strychnos mitis

+ Tree Family

Loganiaceae

+ Ecology

A forest tree common in tropical rain forest throughout East Africa, also in the Sudan and Zimbabwe. In Uganda, it is common in riverine forest in drier part of the country preferring shallow soils on murram. It is abundant on upper slopes in Kibale and Mabira forests and at the base of Mts. Kadam and Moroto. In Kampala, Pitted-leaf strychnos can be found along Lugogo bypass among other places.

+ Description

An evergreen forest tree 24 m or more high, the trunk usually crooked, with low branches and a spreading crown, trunks appearing twisted (like gum trees). The dense leafy crown resembles that of Cynometra. The base may be thick and fluted but there are no buttresses. (No spines.)  

BARK: grey-brown, very thin and smooth, slightly flaking with age, under-bark often green.

LEAVES: opposite, stiff, shiny above, long oval 4-11 cm long, tip usually pointed, a short stalk. All Strychnos have 3 veins from the base but the lateral pair in this species is faint, the pair above are much clearer, about 1 cm from the base.

FLOWERS: white-cream, small and hairy, in dense heads, only 1.25 cm, usually terminal but also beside leaves.

FRUIT: yellow-orange, rounded to oval, 1-2 cm diameter; eaten by baboons.

+ Uses

The wood is a source of timber that is used for building poles, railway sleepers and tool handles. It is also suitable for flooring, joinery, interior trim, mine props, ship building, vehicle bodies, furniture, sporting goods, toys, novelties, agricultural implements and turnery.

The wood is used as firewood and for making charcoal.

Agroforestry: can be used as shade tree in coffee and cocoa plantations.

An ornamental tree.

The wood and roots are used in the preparation of ordeal poison and the sap is used to prepare arrow poison.

Provides poles.

+ Propagation

Seeds, wildings.

+ Management

Pollarding and coppicing.

+ Remarks

In Ajumani County in Moyo District farmers should be encouraged to collect seed from Zoka forest and establish fuel plantations to meet their fuel needs. The species can also do well as a shade tree or in avenues. The timber is hard and difficult to work but used for building and heavy construction.



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