Euclea racemosa (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)

Euclea racemosa subsp. schimperi Ebenaceae Indigenous

• Amargna: Dedeho
• Oromugna: Miessa, Ghino
• Somaligna: Dobobos, Mayer
• Tigrigna: Kellau, Gum

A small tree or shrub that grows in dry woodland, bushland, riverine forest and marginal arid areas in Dry, Moist and Wet Kolla and Weyna Dega agroclimatic zones in most regions, 1,000-2,400 m.

Firewood, farm tools, food (fruit), ornamental, dye, live fence, boundary marking.

A shrub or small tree 3–4 m.

• BARK: Greyblack, rather smooth.
• LEAVES: Usually opposite, shiny and leathery, dark green above but dull and pale below, long, oval, about 5 cm, the tip rounded, narrowing to the base. The thick edge often curls right under.
• FLOWERS: Small, cream-white and sweet-scented, in short sprays to 8 cm, beside leaves, male flowers with many stamens.
• FRUIT: Round and very small, less then 1 cm, green at first, ripening purple-black with thin edible flesh around the seeds, two seeds per fruit. Propagation Seedlings, layering, cuttings.

18,000—20,000 per kg.

• Treatment: Not necessary.
• Storage: Can be stored.

Coppicing. Produces root suckers.

The wood is heavy and hard and burns very well. A black dye can be obtained from the roots.