DISTRIBUTION
The tree is widely distributed in Tanzania on flat ground, on sandy soils in open deciduous woodland near the coast; in savannah areas; several types of woodland, especially near water; and scattered in upland grassland (FAO 1983). It is found in Kondoa district, around Lake Victoria, and in western Brachystegia deciduous forests. Dense stands are found in Iringa and Mbeya regions.
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
0 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
900 |
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Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
400 |
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Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
2300 |
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Minimum Temperature (C): |
10 |
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Maximum Temperature (C): |
30 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Prefers light yellowish-brown to reddish-yellow, gritty, sandy clay loams, red to dark red friable clays with laterite horizon, and yellow-red loamy sands (FAO 1983).
Influential Factors: Some farmers believe that this tree is an indicator of a high water table (Palmer and Pitman 1972). It is resistant to fire.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seed and wildlings. The tree coppices naturally.
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Seeds per kg: |
300 |
Seed Treatments: P. curatellifolia prolifically bears rounded, olive-green fruits 2.5 to 3.8 cm in size, but on an erratic basis. It may bear fruit only every other year. When mature, the fruits turn yellow-red and fall to the ground. There is 1 kernel per fruit, which is pulpy, similar to a mango. Fruits collected for propagation should be checked for insect infestation which affects seed viability. After collection, fruits should be protected from insects. Pretreatment is not necessary but would improve germination (FAO 1983). The seed can be stored.
Seedling Management: Little is known about propagation by seed but the hard seed coat may hinder germination. Natural regeneration is predominantly by root suckers, which appears feasible and adequate in areas where the species is semicultivated on farm land.
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Persists in cultivated lands and secondary bushland.
Growth Cycle: Flowers and fruits concurrently during the wet and dry seasons. It takes about 9 months from flower fertilization to fruit ripening. It flowers from June through January, and fruits from August to May in the Lushoto Herbarium (FAO 1983).
Management Systems: Potted nursery stock could be planted in partially cleared fields.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: FRUIT
It is considered to be one of the best fruits of tropical Africa (Tredgold 1986). In Tanzania it is sold in the market. The fruits can be sun dried and stored for reserve food. The seed kernel has a high oil content which is edible and oil can be extracted from it. The oil is used in cooking and in paint and varnish.
Use #2: MEDICINE
The bark is used to treat pneumonia and as an infusion to treat fever. It is also applied to fractures.
Use #3: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
The wood is hard, heavy, borer proof, and reddish. It makes very good rafters and canoes. It is also used for firewood.
