Markhamia lutea aka Siala

Markhamia lutea is a tropical African tree in the Bignoniaceae family. Its native range extends from Ghana to South Sudan and Tanzania. It grows in forests along edges, in savannah, and on mountain slopes. It keeps its leaves through the year and grows fast. Some plants form shrubs rather than trees. Its crown is narrow, with an uneven outline. Usual heights reach 33–49 feet [10–15 metres]. Reports of 131 feet [40 metres] mark an extreme. The trunk measures about 1 foot [0.3 metres] across.

Large yellow flowers give this tree its garden appeal. Bees visit the blooms and act as pollinators. People plant it for flowers, shade, and screening. Within its native range, it can help new woodland develop. It also holds soil in place and gives shelter. Trees resist wind fairly well. The supplied sources give no flowering season or detailed fruit description.

This tree suits warm tropical sites with sun and good drainage. It grows where rainfall follows a dry season or lasts year-round. It does best with annual rain of 800–2,000 millimetres. Established trees can cope with drought. It accepts several soil types, including heavy clay, if water drains away. Its preferred soil pH runs from 4.5 to 7. This favours acid to neutral ground, though it tolerates a wider range. The evidence gives no frost limit or winter hardiness zone.

People harvest the wood for local use and trade. It is soft, easy to cut, and durable. The timber has some resistance to termites. Uses include indoor joinery, cabinets, poles, paddles, and tool handles. People also make spoons and knife sheaths from it. The wood serves as fuel and makes charcoal. Growers can raise trees from seed, which stores at room temperature. Fresh seed gives the best results, though germination can fall below half.

Traditional medicine uses the leaves and bark for several complaints. These include skin sores, itching, toothache, and rheumatic pain. Such reported uses do not establish safe or effective treatments. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not confirm that all parts are safe to eat. The supplied evidence names no major garden pests or diseases. A 2019 assessment lists the species as Least Concern. Its broad range and large population support that status.