Tree Directory

Common Name

Red Sandalwood, Coral Wood

Family

Caesalpinioideae

Origin & Distribution

Native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including West Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. In Nigeria, often planted as an ornamental, shade tree, and avenue tree in parks, gardens, and institutional grounds, including the University of Ibadan Botanical Garden.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-016

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.457238, 3.895106

QR Code

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Description

Medium-sized deciduous tree, typically 6�15 m tall, occasionally reaching 20 m under favorable conditions. Trunk generally straight, with light gray-brown bark that becomes slightly fissured with age. Leaves bipinnate, alternate, each 20�40 cm long; leaflets small, opposite, ovate to oblong, glossy green. Flowers are small, yellowish, in dense drooping spikes, mildly fragrant, appearing seasonally. Fruits are twisted, flattened pods, 15�22 cm long, brown when mature, containing 8�12 brilliant red, hard, lens-shaped seeds.

Ecological Information

Prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy and clay soils. Drought-tolerant once established. Flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Seeds dispersed by birds and small mammals.

Uses & Importance

Seeds are highly ornamental, traditionally used as beads in jewelry, rosaries, and decorative crafts. Wood is hard, fine-grained, and durable, suitable for furniture, tool handles, and small woodcrafts. Leaves and bark used in folk medicine for inflammation and rheumatism. Seeds (after thorough processing) have been used as famine food in some cultures. Planted for shade and as an avenue tree due to attractive form.