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Summary
n the Serer creation myth, it is one of the sacred trees that grew not just first, but also within the primordial swamp on Earth.
Physical Characteristics
Prosopis is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Coulteria africana Guill. & Perr. Prosopis lanceolata Benth. Prosopis oblonga Benth.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
The fermented seeds are used as a food condiment[418 , 774 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
The leaves are used in the treatment of headache and toothache as well as various other head ailments[418 ]. The leaves and bark are combined to treat rheumatism[418 ]. The bark is astringent. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases, caries and fevers[418 , 491 ]. The bark is used to make an eyewash[418 ]. The roots are diuretic[418 ]. They are used to treat gonorrhoea, tooth and stomach-ache, dysentery and bronchitis[418 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Agroforestry Uses: The tree is suitable for erosion control, shade and as an avenue tree[418 ]. It is planted to provide windbreaks, hedges and for soil conservation[325 ]. It can fix atmospheric nitrogen and the fallen leaves act as a green manure. It has great potential for parkland agroforestry systems and for improved agroforestry technologies in the Sahel, where it grows well in valleys and rocky soils[418 ]. Other Uses The bark and roots contain tannin[418 ]. The bark contains some 18% tannins[375 ]. A gum is obtained from the stems[303 ]. The ashes of the seedpods are used as a source of potash for soap making[303 ]. The sapwood is yellow, clearly demarcated from the red-brown heartwood, which becomes wine-red after drying[375 ]. The wood is hard; of medium to heavy density; with a fine grain; durable; resistant to termites[375 ]. It is hard to work as it blunts the tools, cannot be nailed without previous pre-drilling, but easy to carve, turn and glue[375 ]. The wood is used as timber for pestles, mortars, mallets, cudgels, furniture, joinery, sleepers in the construction of railway lines, boat building and axe handles[418 ]. It is sought for art and craft[375 ]. The wood is highly valued as a fuel and for charcoal making[375 , 418 , 491 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A tree of semi-arid areas of the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,000 metres. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature falls within the range 22 - 35°c, but can tolerate 18 - 40°c[418 ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 300 - 500mm, tolerating 200 - 700mm[418 ]. Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position[418 ]. Tolerant of most soil types[418 ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, but tolerates 5 - 7.5[418 ]. The tree has a deep, fast-growing tap root[375 ]. Responds well to coppicing[375 ]. This is the only tropical African Prosopis species, occurring from Senegal to Ethiopia in the zone between the Sahel and savannah forests[418 ]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[755 ]. In it natural habitat, flowering occurs just prior to the rainy season. Seeds mature between February and March. Fodder: pod.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Seed - fresh, still moist seed does not require pre-treatment, butdried seeds need to be pre-soaked for 12 - 24 hours in warm water until the seed shows visible signs of swelling. If necessary, make a small incision in the seed coat (being sure not to damage the embryo) to allow the ingress of water. Sow the seeds in a nursery bed. Germination of around 85% of the seeds can take place within a week at 25°c[325 ]. Seedlings are ready for planting out when 14 - 18 weeks old[303 ]. Air dried seeds can remain viable for several years at room temperature[325 ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Its common names include African mesquite, iron tree,iron wood, gele (Malinke) (traditional djembe wood) or somb tree. abu surung,abu suruj(Arabic); Hausa (kiriya); jaxan-jaxan,ir (Wolof). Bal-tencali, Buiengue, Bussagan, Cachem-cachao, Culengo, Culim-o, Djandjam-o, Djeiha, Karbon, Keseg-keseg, Ogea, Pau-carvao, Po-carvao, Po-de-carbom, Po-di-carvom, Quessem-quessem, Tchalem-ai, Tchela-tche-lengage, Tchela, Tchelangadje, Tchelem, Teacali-mand, Tentera,
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Saudi Arabia. AFRICA: Sudan, Chad (s.?), Uganda, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (north), Burkina Faso, Côte D Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
None Known
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Guill. & Perr.) Taub.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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