Leguminosae-pap.
Millettia laurentii
- Immature fruit.
- Inflorescence.
- Axillary bud and petiole base with stipular scar.
- Dried leaf, lower surface.
- Flower against dried leaf.
- Seed.
- New leaf with stipule.
General Information
This species has the both the qualities of being an attractive ornamental tree, widely planted along the streets of Brazzaville for example, and producing a beautiful dark marbled wood called Wenge. The leaflets have a distinct acumen at their tip and an unusual pale colour when dried. The secondary veins are obvious and almost reach the edge of the leaflet but they do not join the margin like the veins of Platysepalum chevalieri. The stipules fall off very early leaving a small scar which can be seen at the base of the leaf. Next to it is the flattened and rounded axillary bud. The distribution of this species is not regular across the area – it appears to be absent in some areas and more common in others.
Ecology
Mixed species terra firma forest.
Distribution
Distribution: Gabon and Cameroon to DRC.