Vepris dainellii (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)

← Trilepisium madagascariense

Bekele-Tesemma, Useful trees and shrubs for Ethiopia, 2007 Vepris dainellii (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)

Vepris nobilis →

Vepris dainellii Rutaceae Endemic

Common names

• Oromugna: Addessa, Kulasa, Meddesa

Ecology

One of four Vepris spp. in Ethiopia. This species is an understorey tree found only in Ethiopia. It often grows with Podocarpus or Pouteria adolfi‑friedericii in montane forest. It extends into lowland Celtis‑Pouteria altissima forest in Dry, Moist and Wet Kolla and Weyna Dega agroclimatic zones of Gojam, Wolega, Ilubabor, Kefa, Sidamo, Bale and Shewa regions, 1,050–2,000 m.

Uses

Firewood, timber (local furniture, farm tools).

Description

An evergreen shrub or small tree, 2–15 m high.

• BARK: Smooth and grey.
• LEAVES: Nearly always opposite along stem, on stalks to 12 cm, compound with 3 similar leaflets, each one leathery, long and narrow, 14–33 cm, the tip pointed, the base narrowed to a short stalk.
• FLOWERS: Tiny male and female flowers are found in large conical heads to 25 cm long at the tips of the branches. Petals are pink‑white and female flowers have a stigma within the 4 petals.
• FRUIT: Bilobed soft fruit on branched stalks about 2 cm across, with glands.

Propagation

Seedlings, wildings

Seed

• Treatment: No need.
• Storage: Can store for a fairly long time.

Remarks

Vepris species have very tough wood suitable for farm tools.