46 WEST AFRICAN FORESTS AND FORESTRY 



wild in the forests. It differs in having well-developed buttress 

 roots. The seed is not eaten. 



Lonchocarpus. Mountain Mahogany. Ali (Timani) ; Jumbowill 

 (Mendi), probably Petophorum sp. 



A very tall and straight tree, with a bole of 50 feet and a 

 girth of 10 feet. It is found everywhere, especially on the 

 edges of old clearings and in old farms. It has been felled 

 for export, but no data are available as to its worth. The wood 

 resembles pine, being soft and full of resin-like canals. 



Lonchocarpus cyanescens* Big-leaved Indigo. Jalei, Walwei 

 (Mendi). 



A valuable dye is obtained from the leaves, which takes 

 the place of indigo and is sold at from 4s. to 4s. 6d. a pound 

 in England. 



Lonchocarpus sericeus* 



A branched and gnarled tree growing on the sea shore, 

 its roots often being washed by the tide. The timber is close- 

 grained, hard and durable. 



Cassia Siberiana* Bongbo or Bangbwei (Mendi). 



A small tree bearing handsome yellow flowers. A decoction 

 is made from the root to ease elephantiasis, also stomach 

 troubles. 



Copaifera Guibourtiana* Sierra Leone Gum Copal. Akak (Timani) ; 

 Kobwi (Mendi). 



This tree was found growing on the ridges and low-lying 

 land near York and Bureh Town, also in Ronietta, Karene 

 District, and Kassewe Hills. It is noted for its gum. The dead 

 wood works up very well, having a fine grain and red colour, 

 and should be of value for export. Locally it has only been 

 used for bridge-building. The average price paid by local 

 traders for the gum appears to be Is. a joound. 



Copaifera salikounda* Buini (Mendi). 

 A large tree. 



Pterocarpus esculentus. Atont (Timani) ; Batwi (Mendi). 



Pterocarpus erinaceus* Rosewood. Katai (Timani) ; Bundwi 

 Batwi (Mendi). 



This is a small but valuable tree, confined principally to 

 the drier parts of the country, particularly in the Karina 

 forests. The wood finds a good market in France. Locally 

 it is used to make a musical instrument called " Balangi." 

 The seeds are intoxicating when eaten raw. 



Macrolobium sp. Jamostima (Mendi). 



Macrolobium Palisotii. K'Pal (Timani) ; Bumbi (Mendi). 



Macrolobium sp. ? * Limba ? African Violet Wood. Tunfall 

 (Timani) ; Pfandi or Mbombi (Mendi). 



