Pterocarpus angolensis

Pterocarpus angolensis DC.

Common names

Bloodwood, kiaat, mukwa (English); mulombwa, mulombe, mulome, mlombwa (Bemba/Kunda/Nyanja/Tumbuka).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

A medium to large tree up to 25 m tall, Pterocarpus angolensis is one of south-central Africa’s best known trees. It is particularly conspicuous in the dry season, when it is bare except for its distinctive ‘flying saucer’ fruits. ‘Mukwa’ is a typical miombo shaped tree with a flat crown and spreading branches. Bark: Grey with coarse longitudinal furrows and crocodile skin reticulation. When damaged the tree exudes a red gum. Leaves: Alternate, compound imparipinnate, with 3-9 pairs of alternate leaflets and one terminal leaflet. The leaflets are arranged perpendicularly to the rachis, and are ovate (2.5-4.5 x 3-7.5 cm); they are dark olive green above and lighter below with distinct parallel venation on both surfaces. The petiole is 7-8 cm long. Flowers: Produced in fragrant sprays in August-September, the pea-like flowers are yellow (1 cm diameter) with olive brown hairy pedicels and calyces. Fruit: A distinctive flattened, round pod (7-13 cm diameter) with a raised, bristly middle. The fruits persist on the tree all year round, and contain one or two glossy brown seeds.

Pterocarpus lucens Guill. & Perr. and Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce also occur in the valley (generally in thickets) but are comparatively rare.

Pterocarpus lucens has leaves with 1-4 pairs of small leaflets (2-3 x 1-2 cm), and small flying saucer pods (5 x 3 cm) without bristles.

Pterocarpus rotundifolius has leaves with 1-10 pairs of large, almost round leaflets (3.5-7.5 cm width) and small flattened pods 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter without bristles.

Range and habitat

Pterocarpus angolensis occurs throughout the region. Although nowhere dominant, Mukwa is occasional to frequent in a wide range of habitats and altitudes. In the valley it is characteristic of rocky outcrops, escarpments and light sandy soils, but may be found in most miombo woodland types.