Umuyogoro (Wenge, Faux Ebony)
Millettia laurentii
Wenge is a slow-growing tree valued across Africa for its dense, dark timber — sold internationally under the trade name "wenge" for furniture and flooring. Heavy logging pressure has put the species on the IUCN Red List.
- Kinyarwanda name
- Umuyogoro
- English name
- Wenge, Faux Ebony
- Scientific name
- Millettia laurentii
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Conservation status
- Endangered (IUCN) — per source material, verify exact category
Habitat
Lowland and mid-altitude tropical forest.
Distribution
Central Africa, primarily the Congo Basin, extending into parts of the Albertine Rift region.
Uses
Timber has a dark-colored wood ('wenge'/African rosewood, faux ebony); bark decoction treats liver complaints; bark has insecticidal properties. Listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List per the source material.
Ecological importance
As a canopy tree in tropical forest it provides habitat structure for forest wildlife; heavy commercial logging of this species significantly impacts the forests where it grows.
Ibisobanuro
Imbaho nziza (Wenge). Ubuvuzi: kivura indwara z'umwijima, diabete, umuriro, n'indwara z'uruhu.