DISTRIBUTION
A woodland and savannah tree, it is widespread at medium to low altitudes in Tanzania. It is more abundant along river banks and near swamps in Miombo woodlands than in wooded grasslands and lowland rainforests (FAO 1983). D. mespiliformis is found in Tabora, Morogoro, Dodoma, Mbeya, and Kilimanjaro.
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
350 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
1250 |
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Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
500 |
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Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
1270 |
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Minimum Temperature (C): |
16 |
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Maximum Temperature (C): |
27 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Prefers rocky soils, along seasonal watercourses and swamps. It grows well in red loams, volcanic and loamy sands, and termite mounds. The tree prefers moist soils (FAO 1983).
Influential Factors: Susceptible to weeds. It prefers areas with permanent water which helps in natural regeneration.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Propagated naturally by seed, coppice, root suckers, and seedlings.
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Seeds per kg: |
3000 |
Seed Treatments: Seeds can be collected, pretreated and seedlings raised in the nursery. To break dormancy seeds should be soaked in boiling water (don Maydell, 1986). Seed can be stored for very long periods.
Seedling Management: Germination is good, but it may be delayed by low soil moisture and seed dormancy. Seeds are attacked by seed borers. Natural regeneration is often not adequate and is likely hindered by seed dormancy and low soil moisture (FAO 1983).
SILVICULTURE
Growth Factors: Slow growing.
Growth Cycle: Flowers in the rainy season and fruits ripen in the dry season. Fruits are edible in February and March.
Management Systems: Partially clear planting areas and weed until trees are well-established (FAO 1983). Protection from fires could help improve crop stocking in natural forests.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: MEDICINE
The leaves are used to treat fever, as wound dressings, and as a poison antidote. The bark and roots are used for diseases such as malaria, syphilis, and leprosy. Different parts of the tree are also used to treat headaches, toothaches, and other body pains.
Use #2: FRUIT
The fruit is edible and eaten either fresh or dried. The fruit is also used in making a brandy is stored and eaten in times of food shortages (FAO 1983).
Use #3: TIMBER
Produces black heartwood 'ebony'. Only a few trees yield this black wood after felling, which is pale at first and then gradually becomes dark brown. The wood is hard, strong, fine-grained and is fungus and termite resistant (RSCU 1992). It is used in making tool handles, gun stocks, furniture, and carvings.
OTHER USES: It makes a very good firewood and charcoal as well as bee forage.
