Tree Directory

Common Name

African Black Walnut, Mansonia

Family

Lythraceae

Origin & Distribution

Native to tropical West Africa. Found in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and parts of Central Africa.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-020

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.457646, 3.895592

QR Code

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Description

Large deciduous tree reaching 30–40 m in height, with a straight, cylindrical bole up to 2 m in diameter, often clear for 15–25 m. Bark grey to pale brown, slightly scaly; inner bark fibrous and yellowish-brown. Leaves alternate, simple, large, broadly ovate, leathery, with toothed margins and prominent veins. Flowers small, purplish to lilac, in loose terminal or axillary panicles. Fruits are flat, woody, disc-shaped samaras with a wing, aiding wind dispersal.

Ecological Information

Found in moist semi-deciduous forests and riparian zones. Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Important in forest canopy structure and provides shade for understorey plants.

Uses & Importance

Timber: Hard, durable, termite-resistant; used for furniture, flooring, joinery, and veneer. Bark: Contains tannins; used in local dyeing and medicinal preparations. Leaves sometimes used as mulch in agroforestry.