Parataxonomy

Julbernardia

Julbernardia globiflora

This tree is called mchenga and also, confusingly, mtondo and mtondoo. It is a common component of miombo woodland. Pure stands of this tree are often found where miombo has been cleared for farms and then abandoned. Specimens can reach 18m but usually it only grows to a smaller tree than Brachystegia spiciformis. The young trunk and branches are notably pale and the crown shape is variable. Its leaves are quite similar to those of Brachystegia spiciformis, although they are usually smaller, without wavy margins and have 4-7 pairs of leaflets, the middle ones being the largest. It bears yellow-white flowers on dark brown velvety twigs held above the branches, and the pods are also held aloft.

Sometimes the timber of this tree is used as it is quite durable, although other species are first taken in preference because it is difficult to work and is attacked by insects. Of all the miombo trees, this is considered to provide the highest quality nectar. The bark rope not as good as that of B. spiciformis although it is often used.

leaves
J. globiflora leaves
flower
J. globiflora flower
pods
J. globiflora pods
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