Scientific name
Cordia abyssinica / Cordia africana
Order / Family
Moringaceae
Local Names
Boran (Waddessa); Embu (Muringa); Kamba (Muvutu); Kikuyu (Muringa); Luhya (Kumukikhili, Kumukomari); Meru (Muringa); Nandi (Samutet); Sabaot (Mugunguret); samburu (Chibulukwa, Lboringo); Swahili (mringamringa, mukumari, Mkobokobo); Taita (Mringaringa); Taveta (Muringaringa); Tugen (Samut).
Introduction
General distribution:
Cordia Abyssinica is distributed from Guinea in W. Africa east to Ethiopia to S. Africa. It is also found in the Arabian Peninsula. It is widespread in Kenya where is common in pastures mainly in Central Province, around Nairobi, in Meru, Marsabit, Kakamega, and Kisii Districts and in parts of Rift Valley Province.
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| Distribution of Cordia abyssinica in Kenya |
| © Maundu P. and Bo Tengnas. (2005). Useful trees and shrubs for Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre. |
General Information about the Tree:
The heartwood is hard and takes a good polish, so the timber is prized for furniture, but it can be twisted and difficult to saw. Often found in cropland where it is managed to reduce shade. Provides very good mulch.
Biophysical Limits:
C. Africana is widespread in Kenya, common in pasture land between 1,200 and 2,000 m above sea level. Mean annual rainfall: 700-2, 000 mm and soil type: Large leafed cordia thrives in forest soil. It tends to be riverine in drier areas and found in agro-ecological zones II - III.
Propagation and Tree Management
This tree may exist in plantations, mixed woodlots, agroforestry and may also be used for amenity purposes in homes or on streets. It is propagated by use of wildings and seedlings; several seedlings may germinate from each stone. It is moderate to slow growing; pollarding, lopping and coppicing may be employed in their management. It can be pricked out. Young trees grow best under some shade but it tends to branch a lot if grown in full light.
Products:
As the name suggests (Multipurpose), this tree has many uses which include but not limited to the following;
- Timber: is used for high-quality furniture, doors, windows, cabinet making, drums, beehives, joinery, interior construction, mortars, paneling and veneering.
- Fuel: it is a good source of firewood.
- Food: when mature, fruits have a sweet, mucilaginous, edible pulp.
- Medicine: fresh, juicy bark can be used to tie a broken bone; this splint is changed occasionally with a fresh one until the bone is healed.
- Fodder: source of animal feed in dry season.
- Apiculture: It is a good source of bee forage, as the flowers yield plenty of nectar. Beehives are often placed in the trees.
Services:
- Soil conservation: its leaves are a good source of mulch.
- Boundary marking: it is planted along boundaries.
- Ornamental: it is planted in amenity areas.
- Shade: shade tree in coffee plantations; it is usually left in the fields, as it provides excellent shade for crops.
Pests and Diseases
There is no information about the diseases and pests that infect it.
Information Source Links
- Maundu P. and Bo Tengnas. (2005). Useful trees and shrubs for Kenya, World Agroforestry Centre. ISBN-9966-896-70-8. www.worldagroforestrycentre.org
- Translation to Ukrainian, Martha Ruszkowski.