DISTRIBUTION
Grows in a variety of habitats: dry forests, woodlands, shrublands, open grassland, river banks, rocky hillsides, and coastal plains. Penetrates clear cut areas far into the rainforest zone. It is common in grasslands and on river banks in Arusha, Dodoma and Singida (RSCU 1992). It can form thickets on overgrazed sites (Dale and Greenway 1961).
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
0 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2000 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Prefers heavy clay, loams, and sands and is reported to improve poor soils (don Maydell 1986).
Light Requirements: Demanding.
Influential Factors: The tree is fire resistant. It is difficult to eradicate because of abundant root suckers. Pods are favoured by livestock and wild animals, and trees may need protection. It may colonize abandoned gardens and overgrazed fields.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seedlings, direct sowing, and root suckers. It is easily established from root or stem cuttings.
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Seeds per kg: |
39000 |
Seed Treatments: Pods are dark brown, long, and twisted, each containing about 4 seeds. Pods may remain on the tree for several months before falling. Seeds are hard and should be scarified by mechanical or chemical means (Kew 1984).
Seedling Management: Seeds prolifically when in open land (RSCU 1992).
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Generally not planted near houses since it is very thorny.
Growth Factors: D. cinerea spreads quickly.
Management Systems: Root spreading should be controlled. It tolerates coppicing, lopping, and pollarding.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: FUELWOOD
It is considered to be a valuable firewood and charcoal species, notably in Dodoma.
Use #2: MEDICINE
The bark is used to treat dysentery, tooth-aches and elephantiasis. The leaves are a laxative and used to treat gonorrhoea and boils. It is also a remedy for stomach problems and can remove poison from snake-bites. It is used as an aphrodisiac and as an astringent for scorpion bites (Rulangaranga 1989).
Use #3: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
The wood is very heavy and hard, (fine dark brown heartwood), termite resistant, but usually of small dimensions. It is Used in the construction of houses, for tool handles, and as support for local grapes. Branches are used for fencing and for cattle bomas.
OTHER USES: The pods are high in protein and are highly valued for goat fodder in Dodoma. The flowers are regarded as a good plant for honey bees. It is also nitrogen fixing.
