THE NIGERIAN TIMBER TREES 247 



It is found in the Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ondo, Benin, Owerri, 

 and Ogoja provinces of Nigeria, in the mixed deciduous forest 

 zone, where it is usually very jDrevalent. In many places it 

 is almost gregarious. 



It is a large tree 10 feet in girth, with smooth stem and 

 large, long, thin buttresses. It has a bigger leaf (6 inches) 

 than the other Ita, with a very prominent mid vein on 

 the leaf. 



The fruit is dark coloured. The root buttresses are very 

 long and thin, extending sometimes 15 feet up the trunk of 

 the tree. They are, however, shallower and thinner than in 

 the case of mahogany and cotton trees. They merge gradually 

 at an angle of about 15 degrees into the stem. The bole may 

 reach a length of about 90 feet, and is usually very straight. 

 The crown is compressedly spherical, rather shallow in propor- 

 tion to the size of the tree, but fairly wide-spreading. Occa- 

 sionally, if the bark has a yellow tinge, especially in smaller 

 specimens, the tree may be mistaken for Opele, Schrebera 

 Golungensis. 



Timber is white and very hard, and splits well when it is 

 dry. When dry it is inclined to be brittle, though it shows 

 considerable lateral strength. The texture of the grain is fine, 

 and it planes up with a smooth surface. It is liable to split 

 with nails, but it saws well. Under cover it is durable ; in 

 the open, unless very carefully dried, it is liable to decay. 

 When thoroughly dry it hardens very considerably, and is not 

 attacked by white ants, especially when used in a suitable place. 

 When dry it will float, but the wood is liable to become dis- 

 coloured by contact with water. 



As firewood it burns slowly, gently and steadily, giving 

 out much heat. It is a fairly rapid-growing tree, at first shade- 

 bearing and later somewhat light-demanding ; in the older 

 stages it scarcely protects the soil. Up to the pole stage it 

 is a soil-improving tree, the leaves making a rich humus. 

 Natural regeneration appears to be good. It does not sprout 

 from the stump. Considering its size it is fairly wind-firm. 

 No plantations have been made of this tree. 



The timber has not been exported, not has it been sawn 

 up for local use. Considering its prevalence, it deserves a trial. 



Native Use. — It is considered the best firewood in Benin, 

 and also used as firewood among the Yorubas. 

 Celtis sp. ? Soft Celtis (small). Ita ita (Yoruba) ; Ohia (Benin). 



It is found in the Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ondo, Benin, and Ogoja 

 provinces of Nigeria, in the mixed deciduous forest zone, where 

 it is very prevalent. 



