Umugeshi (African Redwood, East African Rosewood)
Hagenia abyssinica
A distinctive Afromontane tree with large, drooping clusters of reddish flowers, restricted to high-elevation forest in East and Central Africa. Its flowers and bark are a well-known traditional remedy against intestinal parasites, and its timber is valued for carving.
- Kinyarwanda name
- Umugeshi
- English name
- African Redwood, East African Rosewood
- Scientific name
- Hagenia abyssinica
- Family
- Rosaceae
Habitat
High-elevation Afromontane forest, typically above 2,000m, often near the forest's upper edge.
Distribution
East African highlands and the Albertine Rift, including Rwanda's Nyungwe and Volcanoes areas.
Uses
Wood used for carving, carpentry, firewood and charcoal; flowers, roots and bark used for medicinal purposes, traditionally to expel intestinal parasites.
Ecological importance
A key component of high-altitude cloud forest; its flowers attract pollinating insects and its canopy supports highland forest fauna.
Ibisobanuro
Kubaza amashusho. Ubuvuzi: indabyo zivura inzoka zo munda.