Uganda ironwood, Muhimbi
Cynometra alexandri

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

Found in tropical lowland forests of central and east Africa, Uganda Ironwood or Muhimbi (Cynometra alexandri) is a legume that reaches up to 50 m in height. It is characterized by a wide, flat-topped crown and straight, cylindrical bole that can be branchless for up to 26 m. The bole is usually 20-150 cm in diameter with extensive thin buttresses near the base. It is highly valued for its timber. The heartwood is resistant to termite damage and is used in heavy-duty flooring, construction, marine work and railway sleepers. It is also used for fuel and charcoal-making.

Cynometra alexandri is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

Rain forest on firm ground; usually gregarious; at elevations from 700 - 1,200 metres.

Tropical Africa - DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central and east Africa.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Agroforestry Uses: The tree is used for soil conservation. Other Uses: The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood which is used locally and also traded. Known in the trade as 'Ugandan Ironwood', it is a heavy timber of some importance. It is sometimes planted as an amenity tree to provide shade. The heartwood is a dull reddish-brown with darker markings; it is clearly defined from the greyish sapwood, which turns pale yellow upon exposure. The texture is fine; the grain is usually interlocked; without lustre; sometimes figured. The wood is very heavy and hard, being very resistant to abrasion; the heartwood is rated as durable and highly resistant to termite attack. It dries slowly, with a tendency to surface and end checking, but with little warp. It is fairly difficult to work with hand and machine tools; has a rather severe blunting effect on cutters; turns very well; has moderate steam-bending properties. It is used for purposes such as industrial and heavy-duty flooring, heavy construction including marine work, railroad crossties, mining props, posts etc. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal. Due to its physical properties, such as bending strength, inter-node distance, and leaf surface area, the Muhimbi is favoured by chimpanzees for their daily construction of sleeping platforms or 'nests'.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Soil conditioner: Plants grown to improve the structure of the soil. See also Green manures.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

They grow gregariously in drier forest types and as a constituent of swamp forests.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Uganda Ironwood or Muhimbi (Cynometra alexandri).

Synonyms

Cynometra sankuruensis Vermoesen