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Microberlinia bisulcata
| Common Name: |
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Zingana, zebrano, amouk, allen ele (CAM), izingana (G), enuk-enug (EGu), African zebrawood |
| Scientific Name: |
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Microberlinia bisulcata |
| Categories: |
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Timber, high risk |
| Conservation Status: |
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Critical |
Introduction
The Cross-Sanaga-Bioko Coastal Forests and Atlantic Equatorial Coastal Forests of Cameroon support about 50 percent of the 7,000 to 8,000 plants endemic to Tropical West Africa, including the critically endangered endemic tree, Microberlinia bisulcata . These biological features, especially the presence of endemic families and genera indicates a long evolutionary past of the eco-region.
Why is the species important?
Microberlinia bisulcata forms ectomycorrhizal associations with soil fungi. This symbiotic relationship is vital for soil nutrient cycling, particularly phosphorus.
Where is it found?
Africa, Cameroon, Guinéo-Congolaise rainforest and evergreen coastal forest.
How do people use it?
Known as zebrano, the wood has alternating black and white stripes, making it a desirable decorative wood. It has been used for furniture, veneer, inlay, turning, and carving.
Why is it threatened?
The wood fetches high prices on the international market, leading to excessive timber extraction.
What conservation action is needed?
Microberlinia bisulcata meets the criteria for CITES Appendix I listing Based on IUCN category (CR A1).
Koru National Park does provide in-situ protection but more is required, such as the ex-situ conservation effort being developed by La Station de Recherche Forestière de Kumbu au Cameroun.
Selected references
African Regional Workshop, 1996. Conservation and Sustainable Management of Trees project workshop held in Harare, Zimbabawe, July, 1996.
Green JJ; Newbery DM. 2002. Reproductive investment and seedling survival of the mast-fruiting rain forest tree, Microberlinia bisulcata A. chev. PLANT ECOLOGY. 162(2):169-183.
www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/at/at0107_full.html
www.unep-wcmc.org/species/tree_study/africa/fra/1-58.htm
www.cites.org/eng/prog/criteria/1st_meeting/trees.shtml
www.molcrisa.com/lamadera/maderas/zebrano.htm
www.ildis.org/LegumeWeb/6.00/taxa/962.shtml
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