DISTRIBUTION
The tree is widespread in Tanzania in riverine lowland forests and Brachystegia-Combretum woodlands. It is more abundant in open, cleared areas than in closed forests. It is able to tolerate a wide variety of sites, including woodlands, bush, scrub, stony outcrops, and dunes. V. madagascariensis is found in Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Dodoma, Singida, and Tabora (FAO 1983).
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
600 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2050 |
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Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
600 |
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Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
2500 |
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Minimum Temperature (C): |
17 |
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Maximum Temperature (C): |
29 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Tolerates volcanic ash soils; light yellowish-brown to reddish-yellow, gritty, sandy clay loams; red to dark red, friable clays with laterite and yellow-red loamy sands (FAO 1983).
Light Requirements: Demanding.
Influential Factors: Not resistant to fires.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Regenerates naturally by seed and coppice, and may be grown in a nursery.
Seed Treatments: Fruits are round, Up to 4 cm in diameter and contain 3 seeds. It is necessary to break dormancy by scarifying the hard seed coat.
Seedling Management: The longer seed stays on the ground in natural conditions, the softer the cost becomes, thus facilitating germination.
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Tree is retained and semicultivated on farms. It is grown along boundaries and home compounds.
Growth Cycle: Flowering occurs in October through February. Fruit ripens in Dodoma, Singida, Tabora from April through July, and August through December in Kilimanjaro and Arusha (FAO 1983).
Management Systems: Crop refining in natural open areas, and protection from late forest fires could promote regeneration and growth. Since it is a light demander, the site should be cleared of most vegetation. Weeding is important until the trees are established.
IMPORTANT USES
Use # 1: FRUIT
Fruits are edible and sold in markets. Farmers retain this species for the fruit.
Use #2: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD
It is used in building construction and for firewood.
