| DESCRIPTION: It is a deciduous, semi-deciduous, or almost evergreen tree reaching up to 27 m in height, with a straight bole up to 120 cm in diameter; occasionally swollen at the base, the erect to spreading branches form a heavy, usually rounded crown, bark smooth and pale in young trees, later becoming vertically fissured and cracked, brown to grey, especially on slow-growing trees. Leaves alternate, compound with 3-6 pairs of opposite, thin, leathery leaflets. USE: The wood is hard, heavy, strong, stable and durable with a fine, even texture. It is widely used for railway sleepers, mining timber, batten doors and furniture, but is most valuable as a flooring timber owing to its stability, durability and handsome appearance. Wood is naturally resistant to decay caused by fungi and shows a marked resistance to termite attack. Also used as firewood and charcoal. Both heartwood and bark contain tannins. Decoctions of the bark are used to treat syphilis and to make a fortifying tonic. Can be planted as an ornamental in larger gardens and parks. The grey stems, dark green leaves, pinkish flowers and dark brown pods make it a very decorative tree. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. COMMON NAMES: African teak, Rhodesian teak, Zambezi redwood, Zambian teak (English). FURTHER INF: In its natural range, from Tanzania to Zimbabwe, it is a dominant species in the dry, open, deciduous forest. It suffers adversely from dry-season fires and subsequent competition from thorny, fast-growing colonizer bushes. It is frost sensitive but can withstand some drought. |