Morus mesozygia (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)
| Morus mesozygia (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007) |
Morus mesozygia (M. lactea, Celtis lactea) Moraceae Indigenous
Common names
- Amargna: Injori
Ecology
An indigenous shrub or tree with distribution in Africa from senegal and east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa of both rain forest and drier evergreen forest. In Ethiopia it is mainly found in humid forests, with Pouteria and Celtis trees, Moist and Wet Kolla agroclimatic zones in Kefa, Ilubabor and Wolega regions, 500–1,500 m.
Uses
Firewood, timber, fodder, shade.
Description
A large shrub or deciduous tree to 30 m, with a straight trunk to a spreading crown, sometimes buttressed at the base.
- BARK: Grey-brown, smooth, later thick, dark and cracked, much milky latex, if cut.
- LEAVES: Alternate, oval, dark green 2.5–10.0 cm, longer in saplings, 3 main veins for most of the length, to a long pointed tip, the base rounded to a short stalk, edge toothed, a few hairs above and in vein axils below.
- FLOWERS: Sexes on different trees. Males flower heads to 3 cm long. Female trees have stalked heads of 3–8 tiny flowers.
- FRUIT: Rounded to 1.5 cm across, several fruit joined together, greenish and fleshy at first, dry, brown later.
Propagation
Seedlings, cuttings.
Seed
Contained in a compound fruit which has to be crushed to release the seeds. These fruits usually fall on the forest floor from where they can be collected.
- Treatment: Not necessary but soaking in cold water for 12 hours may hasten germination.
- Storage: Storage is not recommended, sow fresh seed.
Management
Lopping, pollarding.
Remarks
Individual trees planted along roads form magnificient avenues. Provides good timber and woodfuel.
