African pencil cedar - Juniperus procera

Description and Uses

Juniperus procera (African pencil cedar) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. The tree`s wood is called African pencil cedar wood and has a density of 0 - 0 kg/m³. After 60 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Juniperus procera has a lifespan of 350 years.

---

Environmental limitations

The tree is 33 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Juniperus procera has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is dioecious and is pollinated by wind.

Juniperus procera thrives in an altitude of 1100 to 3500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 1°C and optimally between 15 - 20°C. The optimal rainfall is 1000 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 400 - 1200 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire .

---

Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

---

Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

---