Erythrophleum ivorense aka Ordealtree

Erythrophleum ivorense is a large tree of the pea family, Fabaceae. It comes from the tropics of west and west-central Africa. Records range from Gambia to Cameroon, Gabon, and the Central African Republic. Its names include ordealtree and sasswoodtree. It grows as scattered trees in the canopy of older regrowth forests. It also grows in evergreen forests, and moist forests where some trees shed leaves.

Sources give a height near 98 feet [30 metres]. Large trees can reach 131 feet [40 metres]. PFAF gives a spread of 82 feet [25 metres]. The round trunk may have grooves at its base. Some trees have buttresses, or broad supports at the base. Others lack them. Useful Tropical Plants gives trunk widths of 2–5 feet [0.6–1.5 metres]. Sources differ on whether it keeps its leaves. Useful Tropical Plants calls it evergreen. PFAF also lists it as deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves.

The tree needs full sun and does not suit shade. PFAF says it prefers moist soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. Its listed pH range is mildly acid to mildly alkaline. PFAF gives USDA zones 10–12 and a moderate growth rate. Bacteria in root nodules fix nitrogen from the air. This can help the tree and nearby plants. Sow fresh, ripe seed in a sunny nursery bed. Seeds often sprout in about three weeks. Trials found that adding Bradyrhizobium bacteria helped young plants grow.

People cut wild trees for medicine and wood that lasts. Uses include buildings, bridges, joinery, and heavy flooring. The brown heartwood grows darker with exposure. It contrasts with the pale sapwood. The wood is dense, hard, and tough to saw. It takes time to dry and may split or warp. It resists fungi, termites, and dry-wood borers. These traits concern the wood, not proven pest resistance in whole trees. Other uses include fuel, charcoal, and bark for tanning.

The bark and seeds are poisonous if swallowed. Bark extracts can cause seizures and heart failure that kills. Past uses include poison for hunting, fish, and ordeals. Reported medical uses include pain relief and laxatives. They also include emetics, which cause vomiting. These uses do not prove home treatment is safe. Sources also note bark mixtures added to fermenting palm wine. This does not make the bark safe to consume. Sawdust can irritate moist tissues and trigger allergy or asthma.