Julbernardia - Julbernardia Paniculata, Julbernardia Globiflora, Julbernardia Magnistipulata (Paperback)

Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Not illustrated. Excerpt: Julbernardia paniculata is a medium to large tropical tree, also known as muchesa. It is widespread over the warmer parts of south tropical Africa, preferring moderately high altitudes, typically 1,000 to 1,200 metres (3,300 to 3,900 ft). It is very common over its range and is the dominant woodland tree in Miombo woodland over much of central Zambia and northern Malawi. The Muchesa is restricted in its range by availability of reliably wet conditions in the growing season of November to March. The rest of the year's rainfall is less important although it should be much drier as it requires at least a short dry resting period so its northern limits are determined by sufficient contrast between these two seasons. It does not occur south of the Zambezi river as it cannot withstand any frost or months with average temperatures of 15 C (59 F) or below. As a result it grows in a band across the continent from north and north-east Angola through Katanga in Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the northern two-thirds of Zambia towards the inland plateau of north Mozambique and as far north as central Tanzania. Unlike its close relatives the msasa and mnondo the muchesa does not become bare during the dry season and only loses its leaves in the run-up to its spring flush of new leaves between mid-August and early September. As a result it makes much less of a brilliant show of colour than other miombo woodland trees. The new leaves are, however, a very attractive red colour. The tree itself grows a well-proportioned shape and fine specimens are common, usually reaching heights of 2023 metres (6675 ft) in its favoured localities such as plateau woodland. The tree is recognisable by its grey bark, which flakes off in chunks ... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=14523643