DISTRIBUTION
Widely distributed savannah species found in woodlands and wooded grasslands. The tree prefers grassland and bush savannah conditions. E. abyssinica is found near Mwanza, in Tabora, Mbeya, Mtwara and Morogoro (Rulangaranga 1989).
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
60 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2300 |
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Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
500 |
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Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
1270 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Tolerates a variety of soils ranging from loam to clay loams and sometimes friable clay over laterite (FAO 1986).
Light Requirements: Strongly demanding.
Influential Factors: Prefers open areas.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seedlings and direct sowing. The tree is propagated naturally by root suckers, seed, and coppicing.
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Seeds per kg: |
3900 |
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Germination Rate (%): |
85 |
Seed Treatments: Has characteristic large flat pods, 15 to 50 cm long. Each seed breaks away from the pod in an envelope on the inner skin of the pod, which acts as a wing, leaving the skeleton of the pod on the tree (Dale and Greenway 1961). To propagate, remove the seeds from the pods. Put the seeds in hot water and allow them to soak overnight. Plant in containers or pots. Pretreatment is sometimes necessary because of the hard seed cost.
Seedling Management: Seed germination rate is very high, between 70 and 90%.
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: E. abyssinica has good potential for agroforestry as it does not compete with crops and may improve the soil.
Growth Factors: Fast growing on good sites.
Growth Cycle: Flowers in the rainy season. Fruits ripen towards the end of the rainy season and into the dry season.
Management Systems: Planting on a cleared site and slashing of vegetation may increase growth and yield (FAO 1986).
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: MEDICINE
Leaves are used to treat fever and the bark is used for colds, stomach pains, and bronchial problems.
Use #2: LAND IMPROVEMENT
Farmers report that E. abyssinica improves the soil. It is thought to be nitrogen fixing. It is suitable for mulch and as a shade tree.
Use #3: RITUAL
It is used in rainmaking and other ceremonies.
