DISTRIBUTION
A widely distributed tree of the high forest, in areas with moderate to high mean temperatures at lower elevations (FAO 1986). It is more abundant in open riverine-alluvial lowland rainforests and open savannah woodlands, generally near rivers. T. emetica is found in Kigoma, Mbeya, Tabora, Morogoro, Dodoma, Iringa, and Tanga.
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
0 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2100 |
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Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
1000 |
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Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
2350 |
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Minimum Temperature (C): |
16 |
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Maximum Temperature (C): |
25 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Alluvial soils recommended (FAO 1986). It prefers well-drained, rich soil with high ground water (RSCU 1992).
Influential Factors: If rainfall is lacking it must be near to ground water sources or a river. T. emetica is normally immune to termites.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seed, transplants, cuttings, and root suckers. Regenerates naturally by seed, root suckers, and coppice, but only under seed trees.
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Seeds per kg: |
1950 |
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Germination Length: |
15-23 days |
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Seed Sources: |
2000 TSH per kg - Tanzania National Seed Centre 1991. |
Seed Treatments: The small fruits are about 1.9 cm in diameter, turning crimson when mature. The fruit has 3 or 4 lobes, each containing 1 or 2 bean-like black and red seeds. Collect seed from capsules that are opening on the tree. Place in water, and discard any floating seed, which will not germinate. Seeds have a short period of viability, and should be sown within 3 days of collection. No pretreatment is needed. Seedlings may be outplanted after 6 to 8 months (Forest Division 1984).
Seedling Management: Owing to loss of seed viability, sow fresh seeds. Seeds are extremely poisonous (RSCU 1992). Cuttings are susceptible to termites and seeds are often attacked by a weevil borer (Watkins 1960).
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: The species is recommended for planting in the coastal and interior lowland zones as an ornamental or shade tree for which it is well-known. T. emetica is sometimes planted in reforestation projects and has potential for agroforestry (Forest Division 1984).
Growth Factors: The tree is fairly fast growing.
Growth Cycle: Rotation length is 60 to 80 years (Watkins 1960). The tree flowers from August to October, and fruits mature from February through April (FAO 1986). Seed production tends to be irregular from year to year.
Management Systems: Palmer and Pitman note that young trees grow up in the deep shade of parent trees and are generally found in small groups of various sized individuals (Palmer and Pitman 1972). In pure stands, spacing should be 3×3 m triangular spacing for fruit production or 6×6 m in combination with agricultural crops. Outplanted seedlings require some shade, and 30 trees per ha of the original vegetation should be left standing to provide shade. Seedlings can be transplanted from the nursery after 6 to 8 months. Seedlings are sensitive to weed competition. Removing herbaceous material from the site before planting, and continuous weeding is required for the first few years after planting (Forest Division 1984). The tree coppices well.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: SOAP
Seeds produce an oil that is used in the production of soap. The oil has been an export product in the past.
Use #2: MEDICINE
The bark is a remedy for pneumonia, and the roots are used to treat colds and as a purgative. The seed oil is applied to sores, ringworms, other parasites, and skin diseases. The root is also used to induce labour in pregnant women (FAO 1986).
Use #3: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
The wood is suitable for indoor uses, and is used to make furniture, poles, and as timber. The wood is sometimes treated. It is also used for firewood.
OTHER USES:
T. emetica is an excellent shade tree and has been planted as windbreaks and for water catchment rehabilitation.
