msasa

The Msasa tree (Brachystegia spiciformis) is a small shrubby African tree having compound leaves and racemes of small fragrant green flowers. The tree is flat-topped and has a distinctive amber and wine red colour when the young leaves sprout during Spring (August-September). It grows in savanna forests of South and Eastern Africa, mostly Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The word Msasa is commonly used use as a proper name for African places. The word also means 'rough plant' in Swahili.

Other common names: Mundu, Myombo, Mtondo (Tanzania), Muputu (Zambia). The plant is known in the Venda language as mutsiwa, which means 'the one that is left behind'. This very likely refers to the outlying population of Brachystegia which has recently been discovered in the Soutpansberg in Limpopo province.

This tree is a protected species in South Africa.

Uses

B. spiciformis is widely used for fuel, both as charcoal and firewood. The tree is often heavily branched and in parts of southern Tanzania the hard wood is highly sought for these uses.

In southern Tanzania B. spiciformis has several medicinal applications including using the roots to treat dysentery and stomach problems.

It is an important shade tree. The leaves are known to be a good fodder and would likely provide good mulch. The species is nitrogen fixing.

OTHER USES: The wood is pale brown, hard, heavy, but not very durable. It is used for beehives, boats, and general construction. It is considered to be a rather inferior general purpose timber.

References

• Dale, I.R. & Greenway, P.J. (1961) Kenya Trees and Shrubs, p. 97.

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