West African Milletia - Millettia thonningii

Description and Uses

Millettia thonningii (West African Milletia) is a tropical tree from Zaire. It is mainly grown for its conservation crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. After 20 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Millettia thonningii has a lifespan of 90 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 18 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Millettia thonningii has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Microbacteriaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees.

Millettia thonningii thrives in an altitude of 1000 to 2000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 5°C and optimally between 18 - 30°C. The optimal rainfall is 1100 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 600 - 1000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 8000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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