African Teak
Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg
Milicia excelsa, known as African Teak, is a species in the genus Milicia of the Moraceae family. It is found in tropical Central Africa and parts of West Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Angola, Benin, and Ivory Coast. The tree is valued for its timber and has multiple common names, including ọjị, iroko, and intule. It has medicinal uses and is regarded as sacred in some regions. The species is classified as 'near-threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Description
Milicia excelsa is a tree native to tropical Central and West Africa, growing in countries like Cameroon, Angola, Benin, and Ivory Coast. It is one of two species that provide timber known as African Teak, used for construction and other purposes. The tree is also used in traditional medicine and holds cultural significance in parts of West Africa. Due to its ecological and economic importance, it is listed as 'near-threatened' by the IUCN.
Other common names
African Teakcounterwoodmvulerock-elmAfrican-teakiroko
Distribution
SC · Cameroon · IN · Global · Angola · Benin · Burkina · Burundi · Central African Repu · Congo · Ethiopia · Gabon · Gambia · Ghana · Guinea-Bissau · Guinea · Gulf of Guinea Is. · India · Ivory Coast · Kenya · Liberia · Malawi · Mozambique · Nigeria · Sudan · Tanzania · Togo · Trinidad-Tobago · Uganda · Zaïre
Synonyms
Morus excelsaMaclura excelsaChlorophora albaChlorophora excelsaChlorophora tenuifoliaMilicia africana
