Ricinodendron heudelotii - Munguella

Description and Uses

Ricinodendron heudelotii (Munguella) is a tropical tree from Zaire . It is mainly grown for its nut crops , which have a long shelf life. The crop is harvested by ground gathering. It starts flowering after 8 - 12 years. The yield will be {missing data}, but in its top season there will be a yield of 72 kg/tree/2year. Other crop types include; conservation, endo-mycorrhiza, medicinal, mycorrhizal spread, nut, oil, The seed/nut is used as major food . The bark is used as " anti-poison, " with Lupeol (? - ?) as its significant phytochemical. There is Njangsa oil extracted by cold pressing from the tree's seed/nut yielding 45% - 49% oil. The tree's wood is called Njangsa wood and has a density of 520 - 710 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree's growing speed is fast, it's energetic value is 0 ckal/kg and the wood's drying speed is medium. After 70 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Ricinodendron heudelotii has a lifespan of 150 years.

Environmental limitations

The tree is 39 meters tall with a crown of 18 meters wide. The tree prefers a planting distance of 600 cm and a row distance of 600 cm. It is very fast growing and partial shade tolerant. Ricinodendron heudelotii has a deep root-system and it has symbiotic associations with the Glomus hoi and Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae fungi (endo-mycorrhiza high). It is not able to fix nitrogen with "any bacteria. The name(s) or string of bacteria include(s) "not applicable ". The tree's flower-morphology is androdioecious and is pollinated by insects. Ricinodendron heudelotii is evergreen and {missing data} and has no thorns.

Ricinodendron heudelotii thrives in an altitude of 100 to 1200 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 7°C; optimally between 18 - 32°C. The optimal rainfall is 3150 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1400 - 3500mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 6.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is intolerant to wind a bit tolerant and to fire {missing data}.

Pests and Diseases

Ricinodendron heudelotii is susceptible to the following pests: . And it's susceptible to the following diseases: (missing data) , , .

Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 0 months. There are approximative 5200 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed:

• (1) Keep seeds in water between 20-27 C
• (2) Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing.
• (3) press the seeds twice its size in the soil soil.