HEIGHT up to 165 ft (50 m )
TYPE Deciduous
OCCURRENCE Tropical Africa
Also known as the African teak, the iroko has a straight and cylindrical trunk, usually with short buttresses. It is one of the most important timber trees of Africa, often used as a teak substitute. East Africa once was a major source, but the tree has been logged out in the region. West Africa, despite overexploitation, remains an important supplier. The timber is used mainly for construction. BARK Gray to brown-black, rough; exudes white latex. LEAF Alternate, elliptic, 4–8 in (10–20 cm) long. FLOWER Males and females on separate trees; males: white, borne on slender, pendent, catkinlike spikes; females: greenish, in short cylindrical spikes. FRUIT Wrinkled, fleshy, caterpillarlike syncarp, green, 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) long, 1 in (2.5 cm) thick.
