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Diospyros Mespiliformis (African Ebony) (Mchenja)

This is not black ebony, though occasionally it does produce a black heartwood.

Slow growing the first year, then a bit faster. Can grow up to 25 m in height. Seedlings need plenty of water and should be planted before the roots grow too long because injury to the roots usually kills the plant.

A good shade tree as keeps its dark green leaves most of the year.

Trees are either male or female. The males have clusters of flowers and the females have single flowers. Produces fruit between Aug to Sept. The fruit is eaten fresh or dried and is used to make brandy and beer. The fruit has a high Vitamin C content and several minerals. Leaves and leafy twigs are used to treat fever and to dress wounds and sores to speed up healing. Fruit, leaves, and roots, contain tannin which is used to treat intestinal disorders. Bark and roots are used to treat malaria, syphilis, leprosy, and to enhance fertility. Part of the tree are also used for headache, toothache, and other body pains.

Infusion of the roots produces a black dye and the bark a blue dye.

Wood is hard, strong, heavy, fine grained, and termite and fungus resistant. Used in construction of canoes, furniture, and carvings.

Indigenous Tree


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