Tree Directory

Common Name

White afara, Limba

Family

Combretaceae

Origin & Distribution

Native to West and Central Africa. Found in tropical rainforests across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo. Commonly cultivated in forest reserves and botanical gardens in Nigeria.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-002

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.456885, 3.894445

QR Code

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Description

A tall deciduous tree reaching 30–45 meters in height. Straight, cylindrical bole often branchless up to 20 meters. The Bark is smooth to slightly fissured, greyish-brown in color. Leaves are simple, arranged in whorls near branch tips, elliptical in shape. Flowers are small, creamy-white, and borne in slender spikes. Fruits are winged, resembling a small propeller.

Ecological Information

Prefers well-drained, deep loamy soils. Grows best in humid lowland forests with full sunlight. Tolerates secondary forest conditions. Flowers around February to April and fruits between May and July. Provides shade and helps reduce soil erosion.

Uses & Importance

Highly valued for timber—lightweight and easy to work with. Used in furniture, veneer, plywood, and interior finishing. Bark is used in traditional medicine for treating cough and infections. Culturally significant in some communities as a symbol of prestige. Often planted for reforestation and ornamental purposes.