The tree
Pterocarpus erinaceus is native to
Sahelian region of
West Africa and is used for fuel wood, for medicinal purposes, as a
woodworking material, and that is useful as a
nitrogen-fixing plant that helps to improve nutrient-depleted farming land. It has several common names, including
barwood,
muninga,
vène, and
mukwa; is used for this species as well as other
Pterocarpus. Groves of the tree can be found on the savannahs of West Africa, but it is becoming increasingly rare and is sometimes cultivated. The tree also grows in forests of
Comoé National Park in
Côte d'Ivoire, a region geographically close to the Sahel but with a higher moisture regime due to its location between two large rivers. The tree grows to about 11 meters in height on average, and bears dark, scaly bark and yellow flowers. The fruits are winged pods.
P. erinaceus grows well on sunny, hot African plains with long dry seasons and frequent fires.
