African teak
by Fenrith
[CC BY 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
Iroko or African teak is a tree which grows in the African rain forest. The tree yields a strong and durable dark brown hardwood timber.
Names
Scientific
Milicia excelsa
Synonym
Chlorophora excelsa
English
African teak
Iroko
Dutch
Iroko
French
Iroko
Other
Mvule
Taxonomy
Genus
Milicia
Family
Moraceae
Order
Rosales
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Africa
Distribution:
Distributed across tropical central Africa.
Deciduous or evergreen:
African teak is a large deciduous tree.
Climate and weather:
Tropical rain forest and wet savanna.
Height:
The trees can be up to 50 meters high.
Propagation:
Grown from seed.
Uses:
The strong, dense and durable dark brown hardwood timber is resistant to termites. It can be used for construction, furniture, floors, boats, etc.
Trees can be planted to control erosion and for providing shade.
Other uses of the tree include herbal medicine; for example the powdered bark is used for coughs and heart problems. Also the leaves and the ashes have medicinal uses.
Did you know that?
In West Africa, African teak is considered to be a sacred tree. Its timber is used to make ceremonial drums and coffins.
Crop categories
Pictures
African teak
by Fenrith
[CC BY 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
African teak
by Salim_Khandoker
[CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
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Iroko wood
Photo by Abarmot
[GFDL or CC BY 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
