Zebrawood (Brachystegia spiciformis, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 25: 312 (1865))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Benth.

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 25: 312 (1865)

Year: 1865

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Brachystegia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Kenya to NE. Northern Prov.

Description

Zebrawood, scientifically known as Brachystegia spiciformis, is a significant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. This remarkable tree was first described by the botanist George Bentham in the prestigious publication, Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, Volume 25, page 312, in the year 1865.

Native to the regions stretching from Southeastern Kenya to the Northeastern parts of the Northern Province, Zebrawood has adapted well to these specific climatic and geographical conditions. These areas are characterized by diverse ecosystems, which provide a conducive environment for the growth and sustenance of Brachystegia spiciformis.

Zebrawood is highly valued for its distinctive qualities and ecological importance. It is renowned for its strikingly beautiful grain patterns in its wood, which make it a sought-after material in furniture making and ornamental purposes. The tree itself contributes to the regional biodiversity and plays a crucial role in local ecosystems.

In summary, Brachystegia spiciformis, or Zebrawood, stands out both for its practical uses and its ecological significance, making it an important species within its native range in Southeastern Kenya to Northeastern Northern Province.

Common Names

Eng: zebrawood
Sna: msasa, musasa
En: Zebrawood, Msasa, Igonde, Missassa, Mupuci, Muputi, Muputu, Musewe, Mutuya, Mutuyu, N’sassa
Fi: Sambianleimupuu
Sn: Msasa, Musasa, Mutatsa

Synonyms

• Brachystegia trijuga (R.E.Fr.)
• Brachystegia mpalensis (Micheli)
• Brachystegia spiciformis var. parviflora (Benth.)
• Brachystegia itoliensis (Taub.)
• Brachystegia oliveri (Taub.)
• Brachystegia venosa (Hutch. & Burtt Davy)
• Brachystegia euryphylla (Harms)
• Brachystegia taubertiana (Hutch. & Burtt Davy)
• Brachystegia edulis (Hutch. & Burtt Davy)
• Brachystegia spiciformis var. kwangensis (Hoyle)
• Brachystegia hockii (De Wild.)
• Brachystegia hockii var. papyracea (De Wild.)
• Brachystegia spiciformis var. schmitzii (Hoyle)
• Brachystegia bragaei (Harms)
• Brachystegia spiciformis var. mpalensis ((Micheli) Hoyle)
• Brachystegia randii (Baker f.)
• Brachystegia spiciformis var. latifoliolata ((De Wild.) Hoyle)
• Brachystegia hockii var. pilosopedicellata (De Wild.)
• Brachystegia spiciformis var. glandiflora (Benth.)
• Brachystegia mpalensis var. latifoliolata (De Wild.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (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/2952670)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:482255-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Brachystegia spiciformis Benth.)

Specifications

Growth