DISTRIBUTION
The tree is widespread and scattered in open woodlands or at lower altitudes, along river valleys, and in sandy soil in woodlands (RSCU 1992). It also grows on termite mounds. B. discolor is found throughout Tanzania including Tabora, Mpwapwa, and Morogoro, but not in mountain forests (FAO 1983).
|
Minimum Altitude (m): |
0 |
|
Maximum Altitude (m): |
2000 |
|
Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
250 |
|
Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
1270 |
|
Minimum Temperature (C): |
17 |
|
Maximum Temperature (C): |
28 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Sandy clay loams. It is often found on clays, and stream valley and riverine soils.
Light Requirements: Strongly demanding.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seed, root suckers and coppicing.
Seed Treatments: The fruit is found in small drupes about 1 to 2 cm long, turning yellowish in colour when ripe. The fleshy pulp surrounds a kernel with 2 hard seeds (Tredgold 1986). Ripe fruits are collected from the ground or picked from the tree. Germination takes some time due to the hard seed coat. Scarify seed or immerse in hot water and allow to cool for 12 hours (RSCU 1992).
SILVICULTURE
Growth Cycle: Fruit ripening occurs between January and March, towards the end of the long rains.
Management Systems: Partially clear vegetation initially and spot weed until seedlings are well-established. There may be a need for fertilizer since it is often found on termite mounds (FAO 1983). Protection from fire could promote natural regeneration.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: FRUIT
The fruits are eaten fresh and the pulp can be used for a drink. Both are quite nutritious as the fruit is very high in ascorbic acid and sugar.
Use #2: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
The yellow-brown wood is one of the hardest in East and Central Africa. It makes excellent furniture, pestles, ladders, poles and is used in general construction.
Use #3: DYE
The roots produce a black colour, the wood brown, and the bark red.
