DISTRIBUTION
The tree is widespread on the Tanzanian mainland in lowland and mountain rainforests, forest fringes along streams, riverine and swampy forests. It is also found in open Brachystegia-Faurea woodlands (FAO 1983).
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
0 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2100 |
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Minimum Raintall (mm): |
1000 |
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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 permanently fresh, moist, well-drained soils with a high water table (RSCU 1992).
Light Requirements: Strongly demanding.
Influential Factors: Liable to attack by a Cerambycid beetle larva which can make the timber defective (Sommerlatte 1990).
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Potted seedlings, wildlings, direct sowing, and coppicing.
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Seeds per kg: |
3000 |
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Germination Rate (%): |
85 |
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Germination Length: |
25-30 days |
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Seed Sources: |
800 TSH per kg - Silviculture Research Centre 1991/92. |
Seed Treatments: Fruit is oval, up to 2.5 cm long, containing a single large stone. Edible fruits turn purple-black and juicy when mature. Pretreatment of the seed is not necessary, however it must be sown immediately as the seed may spoil within 24 hours if stored (RSCU 1992).
Seedling Management: Germination is very good and uniform. Direct sowing in pots is a recommended propagation technique. For successful germination and establishment, the seed should be exposed to mineral soil and moisture (FAO 1983). Natural regeneration is adequate in natural forests.
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Palmer and Pitman note that this species has probably never been cultivated in southern Africa, although it has occasionally been preserved in gardens. It has an ability to hybridize with other species in the genus, and is 'appallingly variable' (Dale and Greenway 1961).
Growth Cycle: Fruit ripens between February and May (FAO 1983).
Management Systems: Planted on cleared sites. Tolerates pollarding and is able to coppice. Crop refining in natural forests could increase growth potential (FAO 1983).
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: FRUIT
The fruits are highly regarded especially by children. Ripe fruit is generally picked from the tree. It must be picked immediately from the ground so that it does not spoil.
Use #2: MEDICINE
The fruit is used to treat dysentery and the bark is used for diarrhoea.
Use #3: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
The wood is hard, strong and easy to work. It is used for construction material, timber, firewood, and charcoal. The smoke from burning wood is used to season milk containers.
