Milicia excelsa aka African Teak

Milicia excelsa is a large tree in the mulberry family. It is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves. Its names include African teak, iroko, mvule and odum. It grows in tropical Africa, from Guinea-Bissau east to Ethiopia. Its range reaches south to Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It grows in several kinds of forest but prefers drier ones. It also grows by streams and alone in savannah.

The tree can reach 164 feet [50 metres] tall. Its broad crown has a flat top. The straight trunk may have no branches for 66 feet [20 metres]. Short buttresses brace the trunk. The trunk can reach 11.5 feet [3.5 metres] across. Its thick, pale bark gives off milky latex when cut. The green, oval leaves have toothed edges. The long, fleshy green fruits have wrinkled skins. The tree cannot use its own pollen to set fruit.

African teak needs warmth and sun, but shade helps seedlings. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 10–12. It grows at a moderate rate. It accepts sand, loam and clay but needs good drainage. The soil can be slightly acid to slightly alkaline. It needs rich soil. Low levels of potassium and phosphorus cause problems. It grows in moist tropical areas but endures long dry seasons. Where rain is scarce, it needs stream water or water from below ground. Shade helps curb attacks on seedlings by Phytolyma pests.

People plant this tree for shade and to mark boundaries. They also grow it for its looks. They use iroko wood in buildings, furniture, floors and wall panels. Fallen leaves serve as mulch and help improve soil. The tree also helps conserve soil. People use its bark for dyes and roofing. They use mature leaves as an abrasive to scour things. Heavy logging has cut the number of wild trees. Loss of habitat adds to this strain. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 1998 assessment of Near Threatened.

People cook the young leaves and eat the ripe fruit. They also use the juice to flavour food. Several parts have uses in traditional medicine in Africa. These uses do not prove that home remedies are safe. The wood and sawdust can cause inflamed skin. They can also irritate the nose and throat or trigger asthma. The sources link these effects to chlorophorin, a compound in the wood.