Umukereko (Forest Newtonia)
Newtonia buchananii
A tall deciduous forest tree (10-40m) with a loose, flattish-topped spreading crown, small fluted/wing-shaped buttresses at the base, and bark that exudes yellow-brown resin when cut.
- Kinyarwanda name
- Umukereko
- English name
- Forest Newtonia
- Scientific name
- Newtonia buchananii
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN)
Habitat
Lowland and upland rainforest, 600-2,200m, typically near streams/groundwater as riverine, mist or swamp forest.
Distribution
Nigeria and Cameroon east to Kenya, south through DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania to South Africa; Rwanda is explicitly listed in its native range.
Uses
Timber; agroforestry - leaves and pods are fodder for livestock. The flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees.
Ecological importance
Winged seeds are wind-dispersed; used as a shade tree over coffee, tea and cocoa; flowers support honeybees.
Ibisobanuro
Imbaho, kivangwa n'imyaka, kugaburira amatungo, inzuki zirahova.