Terminalia superba aka White Afara

Terminalia superba is a large tree in the Combretaceae family. Its names include afara, limba, ofram, and shinglewood. It grows wild across western tropical Africa, south to Angola. Its range includes Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It forms part of the canopy in regrown tropical forests. These forests often have a dry season lasting four months.

This fast-growing tree sheds its leaves each year. Cultivation references give a height of about 131 feet [40 metres]. Other accounts describe trees reaching 164–197 feet [50–60 metres]. One reference gives a crown spread of 131 feet [40 metres]. The crown may form a dome or a broad, flat top. A few tiers of branches form an open crown. The long, straight trunk can reach 4.9 feet [1.5 metres] across. Flat buttresses may rise 20 feet [6 metres] above ground. Small white flowers appear as the dry season ends. They open before the new leaves emerge. Bees and flies pollinate them, and the tree is not self-fertile. The fruits are samaras, each with two wings.

Give this tree full sun and moist soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay. It also tolerates mildly acid through mildly alkaline soil. Established young trees grow strongly with their crowns in full light. Shade holds back their growth, though seedlings need brief nursery shade. Long dry spells cause trouble, most of all on sand. It suits warm tropical conditions, with preferred temperatures of 22–30°C. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Fresh seed needs no pretreatment and sprouts within two to four weeks. Take care not to harm the taproot when moving seedlings.

Growers plant this tree for timber and to help restore forests. Seedlings colonise roadsides and gaps where the canopy has opened. Farmers also use it to shade banana, cocoa, and coffee crops. Its wood supplies furniture, fuel, charcoal, and paper. The bark yields yellow dye. Iron compounds can shift the dye toward brown or black. Traditional medicine uses the bark for wounds and several other ailments. It also uses the leaves and roots. These recorded uses do not establish safe home treatments.

PFAF reports no known edible uses. Working with the wood carries documented health risks. Splinters can leave inflamed wounds that heal poorly. Wood dust can cause skin rashes, hives, and breathing problems. Reports also link wood exposure with nose and gum bleeding.