Conocarpus lancifolius Engler

Description :

An evergreen tree which grows up to 20 m in height and 60 to 250 cm in diameter under favorable climatic conditions. Leaves are dark green, simple lanceolate. Flowers in April. Fruit formation occurs in hot weather. Insect and disease problems have not been recorded in Pakistan. It can be reproduced both from seed and by vegetative means. It seeds profusely. Height growth of 1 m/yr has been recorded in good soils with sustained irrigation. Yields of up to 21 m³/ha/yr are possible. Even grained, grey to white sapwood, Density Medium to heavy with a specific gravity of 0.81.

Distribution :

Natural stands of this tree occur in Somalia and southwest parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is cultivated in Djibouti, Yemen, Sudan and Kenya. It was introduced in Pakistan from Sudan and has been primarily planted in the province of Sindh. More recently it has been introduced in the Punjab. This tree grows naturally along water courses and can be planted up to 1000 m above sea level. It can survive in precipitation of 50 to 400 mm when growing along seasonal water courses. It can stand droughty conditions and temperatures ranging between 5 and 50°C. It grows well on deep soils and tolerates salinity.

 

Uses :

This tree is easy to plant, manage and raise in plantations. Because of its fodder, fuel and timber uses it has potential as a farm forestry tree. Due to its proven adaptability to saline sites, it deserves more attention in irrigated plantations. Also used as fodder, fuel, timber (carpentry, boats), and windbreaks.