DISTRIBUTION
It is widespread in Tanzania except in the west and south. It is well-known in the Usambara Mountains and on Mt. Kilimanjaro (RSCU 1992). A. schimperana performs well in cool conditions in mountain areas. It can survive in lowland areas with relatively low and constant temperatures, with mean annual temperatures in the range of 14 to 20 degrees C. Mean annual rainfall should exceed 1000 mm per Year (Forest Division 1984).
|
Minimum Altitude (m): |
0 |
|
Maximum Altitude (m): |
2100 |
|
Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
1000 |
|
Minimum Temperature (C): |
14 |
|
Maximum Temperature (C): |
20 |
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seed (direct sowing and seedlings) and wildlings.
|
Seeds per kg: |
8000 |
|
Seed Sources: |
1200 TSH per kg - Silviculture Research Centre 1991/92. |
Seed Treatments: Flowering occurs at the end of the dry season. Pods take about 5 months to mature, are dull brown, 15 to 35 cm in length and 2 to 6 cm wide (Forest Division 1984). Pods are very numerous, flat, papery, and oblong, Up to 30×2.5 cm, and contain many seeds. Pods remain on the tree for long periods (Dale and Greenway 1961). Hot water pretreatment or soaking in 75 degrees C hot water and cooling is suggested for even germination, but is not essential.
Stores for a long time if kept cool, dry, and insect free. Seedlings may be outplanted after 4 months in the nursery. Longer nursery periods are not advised because young seedlings are very susceptible to pests.
Seedling Management: Easily raised from seed. Seedlings grown from seed tend to thrive better than those raised from wildlings. The tree is also capable of regenerating under its own shade (Sommerlatte 1990).
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Can be planted in mixtures, in lines along contours separating strips of grass or food crops on slopes (Forest Division 1984).
Growth Cycle: Fast growing.
Limitations to Planting: Susceptibility to pests could be a problem.
Management Systems: Pure stands should be avoided due to pest problems. It performs better when planted under or among other trees and it is best to plant at wide intervals in lines along contours separating grass or food crops. Seedlings are ready for outplanting after 4 months the in nursery. Due to susceptibility to pests, long retention in the nursery should be avoided. Height reaches about 20 m (Forest Division 1984).
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: MEDICINE
An infusion of the roots is added to porridge and drunk for headaches and as a pain reliever. The stem bark is also used in a preparation to treat warts. (Chhabra et al. 1984).
Use #2: LAND IMPROVEMENT
A. schimperana is believed to fix nitrogen, is used to improve soil conditions, and for shade.
Use #3: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
The wood is fairly strong, works easily and is termite proof (Sommerlatte 1990). Wood is suitable for tool handles, needles, and building materials.
