African tulip tree is an evergreen or semi-deciduous tree with a dense, bushy, oval crown; it can grow from 10 - 35 metres tall.
The stem tends to become hollow, dropping large branches as the tree ages.
A very ornamental tree, the flowers bloom with great profusion, and at that time the tree can be seen from great distances. It is widely cultivated in the tropics in large gardens, parks etc.
The tree is harvested from the wild for food, medicines and various commodities that are used locally. It is planted in reforestation schemes, for soil conservation and as a plantation crop for the production of plywood in the Philippines.

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous.
The kernels of the long, boat-shaped wood fruits are boiled to obtain a poisonous liquid used on the tips of arrows of hunters in Africa.

Habitat

Dry and humid forests and dry scrubland.
Secondary forests in the high forest zone and in deciduous, transition, and savannah forests at elevations up to 2,000 metres.

Cultivation Status

Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2,000 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 27 - 30°c, but can tolerate 23 - 34°c.
It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,300 - 2,000mm, but tolerates 1,000 - 2,400mm.
Prefers a position in full sun.
Grows best in a rich, deep soil, but plants are very tolerant of much poorer conditions.
Plants are moderately tolerant of salty conditions.
Prefers a well-drained soil, but can tolerate poor drainage.
Established plants are very drought tolerant.
Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 7.5, tolerating 4.5 – 8.
Requires a position with shelter from strong winds - older trees especially develop brittle branches.
The tree is often grown as an ornamental. It reproduces aggressively, producing winged seeds that are wind dispersed. It has escaped from cultivation and proved invasive in many areas, where it has frequently become a nuisance in pastures and fields with perennial crops.
A fast-growing tree, even in unfavourable conditions.
However, it has a superficial root system and brittle branches, making it unsuitable for use in windy sites.
Trimming the tree will help prevent branches from breaking and will also encourage deeper roots.
The tree sometimes produces vigorous suckers.
It is best not to plant it near houses or pavements.

Edible Uses

The winged seeds are said to be edible.
They are eaten in many parts of Africa.
See notes above on Known Hazards - the seed is possibly toxic.

Medicinal

The unopened flower buds contain a sweet, watery liquid that is considered to be tonic.
The bark has laxative and antiseptic properties.
The bark is chewed and sprayed over swollen cheeks. The bark may also be boiled in water used for bathing newly born babies to heal body rashes.
The seeds, flowers and roots are used as medicine.
The plant has many medicinal uses, both where it is native and introduced. Extracts of the bark, leaves and flowers are used to treat malaria, HIV, diabetes mellitus, oedema, dysentery, constipation, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, skin diseases, wounds, fever, urethral inflammation, liver complaints and as a poison antidote. It may be effective as a malaria prophylactic and in the control of Aedes mosquitoes.

Agroforestry Uses

The tree is planted for soil improvement, reforestation, erosion control and land rehabilitation, and also as a live fence.
It is able to colonize even heavily eroded sites, though form and growth rate suffer considerably on difficult sites.
Its dense crown does not allow intercropping, but its leaves make a useful mulch. It has been used as a shade tree in coffee plantations.
In teak plantations, the tree can be used to attract initial populations of teak defoliator (Hyblaea puera), which can then easily be destroyed.

Other Uses

As they mature, the unopened flower buds become engorged with a red, liquid nectar. Children love them because they can be used as water pistols to squirt the nectar.
The brownish-white wood is soft.
It is generally of little value but, because it is difficult to burn, is used for making blacksmiths' bellows.
The wood is used for carving, but is considered inferior for other purposes.
Plywood seems the only widespread commercial use for the timber.
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings
Root suckers