Tree Conservation Information Service
| Pterocarpus angolensis
Leguminosae Bloodwood Distribution This species occurs in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Habitat In Mozambique, this species is found in all types of woodland and wooded savanna, however its occurrence and density is not uniform (Moreno Saiz, 1996). In Zimbabwe, P. angolensis is found on the fringe of pan grassland of the Lupane and Nkayi districts and in the woodland thicket on the hills of the Binga district (Timberlake et al, 1991). Populations of P. angolensis are denser on Kalahari sand (African Regional Workshop, 1996). Population Status and Trends This species is very widespread although it is never common. In areas where the local people use the trees there are fewer older stands. In Mozambique, the abundance of this species has decreased dramatically in the last decades; it is rarest in the southern province (Moreno Saiz, 1996). A large proportion of mature trees have been lost to a fungal disease. Approximately forty percent of the trees in Zambia have died from the fungal disease (African Regional Workshop, 1996). Regeneration There is evidence of natural regeneration occuring for this species; however regeneration tends to be episodic and is stimulated by high rainfall or fire (African Regional Workshop, 1996). P. angolensis is often a secondary coloniser. Reproduction starts when the tree is 15-20 years old. It does not coppice well, if at all, and therefore P. angolensis needs to reproduce by seed. Role of Species in its Ecosystem No information. Threats P. angolensis is exploited for its timber. Larger trees are dying from a fungal disease that blocks up the xylem (African Regional Workshop, 1996). Utilisation The wood is used for carpentry and construction, especially in the construction of boats. The sap is used as a long-lasting dye. It also has medicinal properties. Trade There is a huge demand for this species both within Mozambique for furniture making and for export. Almost all of the trees cut in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique are sent to South Africa for export to the Far East (i.e. Thailand, Hong Kong, etc.). In 1993, 1,690m3 of P. angolensis were exported from Cabo Delgardo and in 1994, the volume exported was 5,497m3 (Moreno Saiz, 1996). This is currently a key species for exploitation in Zimbabwe (African Regional Workshop, 1996). This species is imported into Kenya from Tanzania (Marshall & Jenkins, 1994). Conservation Status IUCN Category and Criteria: LR (lc) (category assigned by the South African group of the Workshop, due to observations of sufficient regeneration. VU (A1c,d) was assigned by the West African group.) Conservation Measures Bloodwood is found in the Derre forest reserve in Mozambique. There are 2 ha planted with this species in Kenya (Marshall & Jenkins, 1994). Growth of P. angolensis is slow and variable for at least the first seven years, making it less suitable for plantation (African Regional Workshop, 1996). In Zimbabwe this species is found in Forest Commissioned land where it is rarely exploited. The minimum cutting diameter is 25 cm, however this is not enforced (African Regional Workshop, 1996). References African
Regional Workshop, 1996. Conservation and Sustainable Management
of Trees project workshop held in Harare, Zimbabawe, July, 1996. |
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