Family: Moraceae
Author: C.C.Berg (Welw.)
Bibliography: Bull. Jard. Bot. Natl. Belg. 52:227. 1982
Year: 1982
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Milicia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. Africa
Description
African Teak, scientifically known as Milicia excelsa, is an illustrious tree species indigenous to tropical Africa. A member of the Moraceae family, this remarkable tree is recognized for its significant role both ecologically and economically.
Milicia excelsa thrives in the diverse environments of tropical Africa, where it contributes to the unique biodiversity of the region. Its robust and towering stature, along with its extensive root system, plays a pivotal role in preventing soil erosion, thus maintaining the health of the ecosystems it inhabits.
Renowned for its high-quality timber, African Teak is highly valued in the wood industry. The wood is notably durable, resistant to termites, and possesses a fine grain, making it an ideal material for high-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and construction.
Beyond its economic importance, African Teak is also culturally significant in many African societies. Various parts of the tree are utilized in traditional medicine, offering therapeutic benefits and underscoring its importance in indigenous practices.
Milicia excelsa was first described scientifically in 1982 by C.C. Berg, with the bibliographic citation appearing in the Bulletin du Jardin Botanique National de Belgique. This documentation highlights the continuous interest and research in understanding the botanical and ecological significance of the species.
In summary, African Teak is more than just a tree; it is a cornerstone of ecological sustainability, economic value, and cultural heritage in tropical Africa. Its contributions to both the natural environment and human society reaffirm its esteemed status among the continent’s rich flora.
Common Names
Eng: african-teak, counterwood, iroko, mvule, rock-elm, african teak
Swe: iroko
En: African teak, African-teak, Counterwood, Iroko, Mvule, Rock-elm
Fi: Afrikaniroko, Iroko
Ja: ミリキア・エクスケルサ
Ru: Ироко
Sw: Mvule
Sv: Iroko
Synonyms
- Maclura excelsa ((Welw.) Bureau)
- Morus excelsa (Welw.)
- Milicia africana (Sim)
- Chlorophora alba (A.Chev.)
- Chlorophora excelsa ((Welw.) Benth. & Hook.f.)
- Chlorophora tenuifolia (Engl.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Congo (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- India (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 10, 2020 by Gnagbo Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Rocha Victor Hugo (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3763589)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:910900-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg)