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 prevalent. 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. 
