African peach tree - Nauclea diderrichii

Description and Uses

Nauclea diderrichii (African peach tree) is a tropical tree from Zaire. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (n/a shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 9 - 14 years.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). The tree`s wood is called African peach wood and has a density of 670 - 910 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4100 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is ; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Nauclea diderrichii has a lifespan of 150 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 36 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Nauclea diderrichii has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is uni-sexual and is pollinated by moths.

Nauclea diderrichii thrives in an altitude of 0 to 500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 12°C and optimally between 24 - 30°C. The optimal rainfall is 3100 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1600 - 3000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of clay. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 1700 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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