African beech - Faurea saligna

Description and Uses

Faurea saligna (African beech) is a tropical tree from Southern Africa. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (medium shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). The tree`s wood is called African beech and has a density of 650 - 650 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 4700 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is ; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 45 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Faurea saligna has a lifespan of 120 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 13 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Faurea saligna has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees.

Faurea saligna thrives in an altitude of 2100 to 3000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -5°C and optimally between 16 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 900 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 350 - 1100 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire .

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are intermediate and can be stored for 2 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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