Erythrophleum suaveolens aka Ordealtree

Erythrophleum suaveolens is a large tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. People call it sasswood tree or ordeal-bark tree. It comes from tropical Africa, from Sierra Leone east to Sudan. Its range reaches south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It grows in moist, semi-deciduous woods, which lose some leaves. It also grows in riverside forests and wooded grasslands. It does not grow in evergreen forest.

Reports give heights of 66–82 feet (20–25 m). Some trees reach 98 feet (30 m). One garden account gives a spread of 49 feet (15 m). The trunk often branches near the ground. It can reach about 3 feet (0.9 m) across. PFAF says the tree is evergreen and grows slowly. Ripe pods split open and release their seeds. Growers plant it for looks and along avenues.

This tropical tree needs sun and moist soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. It can grow in mildly acid or mildly alkaline soil. It also accepts neutral soil. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Young trees take root best in fairly open forest. Trials of planted stands have shown slow growth. Seeds take about one to three weeks to sprout. Sources advise sowing in a sunny nursery bed. Growers also raise plants from stumps.

Root bacteria form lumps called nodules. These help the tree use nitrogen from the air. Plants nearby may gain some of this nitrogen. Fallen leaves have drawn interest for use among crops. Yet trials found that leaf mulch could cut crop yields. The wood lasts well in heavy floors, bridges, and boats. People also use it for railway sleepers, fuel, and charcoal. The bark yields tannins. People use dried leaves to curb insects in stored grain. They also use bark preparations to help guard stored seeds from pests.

There are no known edible uses. Bark and seeds hold dangerous poisons that affect the heart. High doses of bark extract can cause seizures. They can also cause rapid cardiac arrest, when the heart stops. Seeds are more toxic than bark despite having fewer alkaloids. Their saponins make the poison more potent. People have used bark for arrow and ordeal poisons. They have also used bark and leaves as fish poison. Traditional medicine uses bark and roots for several ailments. Use in Europe for heart failure ended due to harmful effects and better drugs. These uses do not make the tree safe for home remedies. Sawdust can irritate tissues and cause allergies or asthma.