Tree Directory

Common Name

African Padauk, False Camwood

Family

Faboideae

Origin & Distribution

Native to tropical West and Central Africa – found in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Occurs naturally in lowland rainforests, riverbanks, and moist semi-deciduous forests.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-009

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.457157, 3.895615

QR Code

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Description

A large deciduous tree reaching 20–30 meters in height. Straight, cylindrical trunk with slightly fluted base; diameter up to 1 m. Bark is greyish-brown, slightly rough, exuding a reddish gum when cut. Leaves are compound, imparipinnate, with 5–9 broadly ovate leaflets, dark green above, paler beneath. Flowers are bright yellow, fragrant, and borne in loose panicles, usually before the leaves appear. Fruit is a flat, circular, woody pod with a narrow wing around the margin (samara type), 5–8 cm in diameter.

Ecological Information

Prefers well-drained fertile soils in humid forest zones. Thrives in areas with high rainfall and warm temperatures. Flowering usually occurs at the start of the rainy season, followed by fruiting in the late rainy season.

Uses & Importance

Valued hardwood for furniture, flooring, joinery, and decorative veneers due to its reddish-brown color and durability. Bark and wood yield a natural red dye used in textile coloring. Traditional medicine: decoctions from bark and leaves used for treating fever, wounds, and skin infections. Wood is resistant to termites and borers, making it valuable for outdoor use.