Rhodesian black wattle - Peltophorum africanum

Description and Uses

Peltophorum africanum (Rhodesian black wattle) is a tropical tree from Southern Africa. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (medium shelflife), but also apiculture, fodder, fuel, medicinal, ornamental, poison herbicide, and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 5 - 8 years. The flower is edible. Medical uses include; "anti-bacterial", "anti-diarrhea", and "anti-oxidant". The root contains betulinic acid (? - ?). There is Rhodesian blackwood seed oil extracted by hexane solvent extration from the tree`s seed/nut yielding 10 - 30% oil. The tree`s wood is called Rhodesian black wattle and has a density of 580 - 600 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4500 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; it might be grown for firewood, see firewood rating in the rating bar. After 30 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Peltophorum africanum has a lifespan of 80 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 9 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Peltophorum africanum has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations with "Glomus intraradices", and "Glomus mosseae" fungi (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Rhizobiaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees. Peltophorum africanum is evergreen and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Peltophorum africanum thrives in an altitude of 750 to 1600 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -3°C and optimally between 17 - 28°C. The optimal rainfall is 800 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 350 - 900 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of all. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind tolerant and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

"Charaxes brainei", "Charaxes ethalion", and "Charaxes vansoni" are pests and It is not clear which diseases diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 2 months. There are approximative 2250 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed: (1) Store harvested seeds dry at room temperature, (2) Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing., (3) press the seeds twice its size in the soil soil.

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