Milicia regia

Milicia regia is a large tree in the Moraceae family. Its common names include iroko and oroko. It comes from the tropics of West Africa. Its range runs from Senegal and Gambia to Ghana. It grows in lowland rainforests. It also stands alone on farmed land. People plant it elsewhere in West Africa, beyond its native range. Some groups view it as a sacred tree.

The tree grows fast and briefly sheds its leaves. Garden sources give a height of 98 feet [30 metres]. Forest accounts report trees that reach 115 feet [35 metres]. Rare trees reach 148 feet [45 metres]. Its broad, round crown can spread 82 feet [25 metres]. The tall trunk is straight. Its bark is smooth and reddish-brown. The trunk can reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres] across. Large roots may run along the soil surface. The bark gives off white latex when cut.

Many small achenes form a group that makes up the fruit. Each achene holds a small, pale brown seed. People eat the fruit raw. They sometimes sell it at markets in Ghana. The tree cannot use its own pollen to form seeds. The supplied sources do not say when it flowers. They give no details on what the flowers look like. They also give few facts about leaf shape.

This tree needs the warm, moist climate of the lowland tropics. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Give it full sun and moist soil that drains well. It grows in sand and loam. Soil can range from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. Trees planted in Nigeria grew well with enough rain. They had 2,000–2,500 millimetres of rain each year. Trees grew poorly on coarse sand and gravel with less rain. Deep shade does not suit it. Vines and shrubs can grow faster than young trees. Pests can make it hard to grow trees in plantations. Young plants cope well with a move to a new site.

People grow this tree for its looks. Wood is its main product for sale. The wood lasts well and serves for furniture, fuel and charcoal. The bark yields dye for cloth and leather. The latex serves as glue. Folk healers put the latex on wounds and burns. These uses do not prove it is safe or has health benefits. Wood and sawdust can cause skin irritation. They can also cause breathing problems, including asthma. Heavy logging puts wild trees under strain. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Vulnerable listing. This comes from the 2011 IUCN assessment.