Known locally as Mlombwa but also known as Ambila and African Teak.

From the Useful Tropical Plants Database

It is a medium sized deciduous tree with an open, rounded or spreading crown; it usually grows from 5 – 20 metres tall. Found in all types of woodland and wooded savannah. Typically found in so-called miombo woodland with Brachystegia and other deciduous trees, in wooded grassland and savannah, at elevations from sea-level up to 1,650 metres.

A nitrogen fixing plant, it has been used for soil conservation, dune fixation, live fencing and as an ornamental casting a light shade and with attractive fruits. The tree is regarded as an indicator of well-drained soils.

The bark, with its blood-red, gummy, resinous exudate, (‘false dragon’s blood’ or ‘kino’) is often used in traditional medicine.

A very valuable timber, it is a good substitute for Indian teak, which it somewhat resembles, although not so straight-grained. It is used for construction, carpentry, high class furniture manufacture (tables, chairs, benches), parquet flooring and veneer, and in South Africa and Namibia particularly for wood carving (bowls, spoons and walking sticks). Due to its flexibility, resistance and light weight it is also useful for boats, doors and windows.

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