Chapter X: The Forests and Timber Production of the British Sphere of the Cameroons

Running parallel with the Nigerian boundary, a strip averaging 75 to 90 miles in width, and running back from the coast about 300 miles, we have the British sphere of the Cameroons, in all, an area of about 31,000 square miles. From the forest-zone point of view this land area can be divided into really three different zones. First of all, nearest the coast, there is Victoria, the Cameroon Mountains, followed by the bank of the Mungo. Past the crest of Kuppe and the Manengube Mountains and onwards along the Mbo, Foto and Bambuto Ranges round to the headquarters of the Cross River and to the Nigerian boundary, we have about 7,000 square miles of an almost unbroken evergreen forest zone.

The second area comprises a beautiful open grassland with only scattered trees, covering largely the Chang, Bamenda, Kontsha and more northern districts of the British sphere, in all about 17,000 square miles.

The third section comprises the heavy evergreen and deciduous forests on the banks of the more northern rivers, such as the Mo, the Cam, and covers approximately an area of 7,000 square miles.

From the forestry point of view, the most accessible, and therefore the most valuable, of these areas are situated in the first-named zone, therefore we will consider this area more in detail.

To begin with, it can be subdivided into three almost distinct forest divisions; following the watersheds or basins of (1) the Mungo River, (2) the Cross River, (3) the Akwayefe, Ndian, Moko, Meme Rivers and the Rio del Rey district. Taking the third area first, we have comparatively large areas of forest covering both level and hilly country up to an elevation of about 3,000 feet, but with the sides of the valleys less timbered than in the Mungo River forest zone. Amongst the species of trees which have been felled and exported from this area are the following: Mahogany Sarcocephalus, Bitter Bark, _Saccoglottis Gabunensis_, Light Mahogany, _Khaya Euryphylla_, Ebony, _Diospyros Kamerunensis_, Red Ironwood or Bongossi, _Lophira procera_, Long- capsuled Mahogany, _Entandrophragma Rederi_.

Amongst the more prevalent trees of the lower lying land, including the Tiko plain, are the following: Mahogany, _Khaya Klainei_, Long-capsuled Unscented Mahogany, _Entandrophragma Candollei_, Scented Mahogany, _Entandrophragma utilis_, Cedar, _Guarea sp._, Red Ironwood, _Lophira procera_, _Canarium Schweinfurthii_, Brown Ebony, _Diospyros sp._, _Terminalia scutifera_, _Afzelia pachyloba_, _Berlinia sp._, two kinds of Camwood, Walnut, _Lovoa Klaineana_, _Pterocarpus tinctorius_, as well as the valuable orange-coloured wood of _Sarcocephalus sambucinus_ and Mahogany-like species of Guttiferæ and _Uapaca Staudtii_.

Some of the “stands” of this timber, and especially on the hill slopes of the Cameroon Mountains, are very thick and dense, more especially near Debundscha, with its annual rainfall of 423 inches.

One of the most interesting and unique stands on the mountainside is that of tree-fern, about 30 feet high, as an undergrowth, and heavy mahogany, _Entandrophragma Rederi_, and _Ongekea Kamerunensis_, chiefly at an altitude of 3,500 to 4,000 feet, also quite untouched except in the neighbourhood of Buea.

Only the smallest part of all this area, and in fact only that on the bank of the Meme, had been at all operated upon before the war, and the forests on the banks of the Akwayefe were quite untouched. All the higher slopes and the northern sides of the Cameroon Mountains, and beyond as far as Mount Gonistan, were also quite unused. All through this part the villages are comparatively few and far between, and even in those parts where they are closer together, the population in each is very small, and the forest growth is so thick that they make little impression upon it. Added to that, the chief crop grown by the natives is the cacao-yam, for which only comparatively small areas are necessary, and in many cases this is grown in small spaces in the shade of giant forest trees. Also, all through this area only comparatively small patches, compared to the whole, have been cleared and planted with cacao. Again, the area occupied by the European-owned cacao and rubber plantations is very small, and chiefly found near Victoria and a little both westward and eastward at the base of the Cameroon Mountain (Mount Fako).

Turning now to the Mungo River region, we have in some ways an even more valuable forest area. Here, indeed, one German firm had actually made a felling over an area of nearly one square mile and had sold nearly all the timber in Germany.

Amongst the more prevalent species found are the following: Bush Oak, _Chlorophora excelsa_, Black Ebony, _Diospyros Gilgiana_, Pearwood, _Mimusops Djave_ (which is found in immense specimens on the edge of the Kumba road), Inoi Nut, _Poga oleosa_, with its light-reddish wood with wide medullary rays; African Greenheart, _Cylicodiscus Gabunensis_, a magnificent tree; Shinglewood, Scented Mahogany, _Guarea glomerulata_, Brown Teak, _Brachystegia cynometroides_, Long-capsuled Mahogany, _Entandrophragma Candollei_, the Oil Bean, _Pentaclethra macrophylla_, Red Ironwood, not quite so prevalent; _Lophira procera_, Paddle Wood, _Uvaria Busgenii_, Gum Copal, _Pterogopodium sp._, Wild Mango, _Irvingia Barteri_, Light African Greenheart, _Piptadenia Africana_, Camwood or Barwood, _Pterocarpus santalinoides_, Wood Oil Nut, _Ricinodendron Africanum_, Hard Yellow Wood, _Coula edulis_, and Ironwood, _Bridelia stenocarpa_. Although the Bakundu and Balong natives are more active in their farming operations near the banks of the Mungo, there are still very large areas of comparatively untouched forests, and more especially in the upper regions of the river. In four separate places beyond the crossing of the Bakossi Road there are four different rapids or waterfalls on the river, which would provide water-power for saw-mills, or other wood-using industries. On the left bank of the river, beyond the Bakossi crossing, there is an area almost without population in which there are large numbers of Oil Palms, as well as other forest trees. On this road, too, is seen the very picturesque waterfall and narrow gorge of a tributary of the Mungo, which is also suitable for generating power for one kind of mill or another.

Turning now to the Bakossi forests, which culminate in the more or less isolated peak of Mount Kuppe (altitude 6,300 feet), the land is all covered with forest with the exception of some rocky points on the eastern side. A small amount of land has been cleared at an altitude of about 3,000 feet, for the making of tobacco plantations, but the rest, with the exception of the taking of a few trees for local felling, remains intact. The Bakossis have made large farms in the valleys, and are very industrious, but still the forests situated higher up are largely untouched. It is interesting to notice that the walls of the round and conically roofed houses are made with about five circular rows of tree-fern stems, cut to the length of the height of the wall and placed one behind the other. These are most durable and are a most unique example of the utilization of the produce of these forests, although many of the tree-fern “stands” have been cut down and have quite disappeared; a few remain in isolated places.

Some of the more common species found in this forest are the following: Bush Maple, _Triplochiton scleroxylon_, Ebony, Diospyros, Mahogany, _Khaya Euryphylla_, Bush Teak, _Chlorophora excelsa_, Gum Copal (_Copaifera Demeusii_), Bilinga (_Afzelia Zenkeri_), Hardwood (_Millettia sp._), Scented Mahogany (_Entandrophragma Candollei_), Light Mahogany (_Canarium Schweinfurthii_), Hardwood (_Dialium Staudtii_ and _Newtonia Zenkeri_), Yellow Hardwood (_Ongokea Kamerunensis_), African Whitewood (_Enantia chlorantha_), Camwood (_Pterocarpus Soyauxii_).

There is less forest near the Manenguba Mountains, most of it being situated on the banks of the Mo and Mbu Rivers (tributaries of the Cross River). Continuing along the boundary line between the grass country and the tree-fern forest, we have the Mbo and Foto Ranges, with their dense evergreen forests up to an altitude of 5,000 feet. Amongst the more valuable trees are the Cola (_Cola laterita_), Camwood (_Pterocarpus Soyauxii_), Albizzia species, Ibadan, _Ficus Vogelii_. Below this point, at about 4,000 feet, Iroko, _Chlorophora excelsa_, Corkwood, _Musanga Smithii_, and tree-ferns reappear, as well as _Acacia Farnesiana_. The Wild Date, _Phœnix sp._, occurs again about this altitude. The Oil Palm occurs again in the valleys. On the lower slopes there are Ricinodendron, Bombax, Sarcocephalus, and Trema.

Continuing farther northwards we have the Bambuto Ranges, with their fringing forests on the banks of the streams, and the bamboo groves at an elevation of about 8,000 feet. Willows and small Abyssinian plants are found, and with the flowering of Delphiniums in the grass we might almost be in Europe. Toward the Cross River side, the mountains are very steep, and isolated peaks, such as that of Monkwa Rock, stand out in solitary grandeur amongst the lower forested mountains of the Cross River. In the Cross River basin we have mainly six large rivers, all joining the Cross River. On the right or northern bank these are the Manyu, Mo, Manya, and Oyi, above Mamfe, and on the left or southern bank the Mbu and Manja, as well as the Awa, joining below Mamfe. All except one of these rise amongst the forests, and it is on the banks of these that the finest forests are situated, although in some parts, such as near Tinto, the natives have been more active in farming and have cleared large areas of them. This is more the case nearer the villages, and nearer the roads, even where the forest has been cut down, there are almost continuous groves of Oil Palms, less than a quarter of its produce having as yet been collected or sold. Amongst the most valuable timber trees of these forests are the Ebony (_Diospyros_), Bush Teak (_Chlorophora excelsa_), African Whitewood (_Enantia chlorantha_), Camwood (_Pterocarpus Soyauxia_), Bilinga (_Afzelia Africana_), Hardwood (_Millettia sp._), Sapeli Mahogany (_Entandrophragma Candollei_), Light Mahogany (_Canarium Mansfeldii_), Hardwood (_Newtonia Zenkeri_), Wild Mango (_Irvingia Barteri_), Mukonja (_Terminalia superba combretaceæ_), White Cedar (_Pycnanthus Kombo_), Red Oak (_Berlinia acuminata_), Berlinia species with very large pod, three species of Walnut, Albizzias, Red Ironwood (_Lophira procera_), African Wood Oil Nut Tree (_Ricinodendron Africana_), _Parinarium sp._ (_Dialium_).

The range of hills Nda Ali is also forest-covered and is situated in the Cross River basin.

More or less adjacent to these areas, and partly between these and the Meme River forest, are those of Gonistan and the Rumpi Mountains. These again are quite untouched, although, lying some distance away from navigable rivers, they may subsequently prove of greater value when eventually opened up with the forest tramway or other means of transport. The species of trees found here are very similar to those found in other parts. On the whole, Red Ironwood (_Lophira procera_) is most prevalent in Ogu and Mbu, as also both Mahoganies, Camwood (_Pterocarpus sp._), African Greenheart (_Piptadenia Africana_), Corkwood (_Musanga Smithii_), False Iroko (_Chlorophora excelsa_), Hog Plum (_Spondias lutea_), Wild Mango (_Irvingia Gabonensis_), Hard Mahogany (_Detarium Guineense_). Numerous small Oil Palms occur in places. On the banks of the Fi, Cedar (_Carapa procera_), Hard Mahogany, Trichilia, an anacardiaceous tree; the hard whitewood Akboro (Benin), the brown hardwood, Microdesmis, African Greenheart (_Piptadenia Africana_), _Heritiera sp._, Scented Mahogany, _Guarea Thompsonii_, _Chrysophyllum Africanum_, and a very hard wood known as Alikongeba by the Yorubas are found. Near the Rumpi Mountains the following are more prevalent; the _Sarcocephalus sp._, Berlinia, _Piptadenia Africana_, _Cylicodiscus Gabonensis_, Oroko, _Lophira procera_, Satinwood, _Zanthoxylum macrophyllum_, Pattern-wood, _Alstonia Congensis_, Shingle- wood, _Terminalia scutifera_, Pear-wood, _Mimusops Djave_, Corkwood, _Musanga Smithii_, Scented Mahogany, _Guarea sp._, White Cedar, _Pycnanthus Kombo_, Camwood, _Pterocarpus sp._, brown hardwood, Microdesmis, Wild Mango (_Irvingia Gabunensis_), Gaboon Mahogany, _Canarium Schweinfurthii_, Bilinga (_Afzelia pachyloba_), and Walnut.

Out of the total of 14,000 square miles of forest, 6,000 must be deducted as being inaccessible for many years to come. Again, out of this 8,000 square miles, 4,500 square miles will be made accessible as soon as those areas lying nearest the rivers have been opened up for timber extraction. Therefore only these last areas will be taken into consideration at the present time.

The chief timber forests comprised in this area are those situated between the Mfu and Fi, the Fi and Mbu, and the Manja and Mak Rivers.

On the whole, in the Cross River basin there is an area of fully 2,000 square miles of exploitable forests, within reach of streams or rivers deep enough to float logs in the rainy season. In the Akwayefe, Ndian, Moko, and Meme River valleys there is another 700 square miles. Again, on the banks of the Mungo and its tributaries there is an area of about 800 square miles suitable for the extraction of timber. In all, then, there is an area of 3,500 square miles of forest which could be utilized at the present time. Assuming that only one tree on every four acres is of value for export, and that each tree is worth a nominal amount of £1, therefore the whole forest is worth £575,000. In addition to these there are many other trees which would become valuable either for export or for local use as soon as the forests were opened up and utilized, and this would at least double the value of the forest. This, also, is one of the last remaining large tracts of forest where the population is smaller and the requirements for forest products less than those to be had in the forest. There is thus a surplus for export. Up to the outbreak of war, out of all this area only 47,000 acres, or 73½ square miles, had been, or was being, leased as timber areas. Outside these areas some 285,000 acres, or 445 square miles, had been alienated, chiefly on the lower slopes of the Cameroon Mountains and in the neighbourhood of Mount Kupe. Under the old German law, ten marks per ton was charged on Ebony, Mahogany, Bush Oak, and one or two other species, and five marks on all soft woods, except certain trees which had proved unprofitable to export. Compared with those in force in Nigeria, these fees were very low, and despite the fact that on the average the Cameroon forest would be more difficult to exploit than the average one in Nigeria, there should still be more profit in the former; also, with the considerable number of water-power sites available, timber conversion could be undertaken, and thus the cost of transport cheapened in comparison with the value of the product to be transported. Well- squared logs, large flitches or planks of timber could be cut and transported. Under the German Colonial land law, with the exception of 15 acres per head allowed to each native, all the land could be declared Crown land, so that no difficulty would be involved in leasing land to timber companies; that is to say, it was first declared to be Crown land and then subsequently leased to timber companies. The natives, however, then received no royalties on the trees which were felled. Thus those in the immediate neighbourhood had no incentive to work in the forests as they do in Nigeria. Sufficient emphasis was not laid on the fact that a timber company should possess ample capital.

In afforestation a great deal had been planned, but only a small amount had been executed. In the north, at Fontwans, in the Dschang district, a 40-acre teak plantation had been made. At each of the stations themselves, Dschang, Mbo, Djutisha, various experimental plots of trees had been planted. Nearer the coast, at Kumba, valuable test plantations, aggregating some 400 acres, had been planted with Ebony, _Diospyros suaveolens_, Umbrella Tree, _Musanga Smithii_, Casuarina, _Casuarina equisitifolia_, Cigar-box Cedar, Cedrela, Iroko (_Chlorophora excelsa_), Djave Nut (_Mimusops Djave_), Teak (_Tectona grandis_), Para Rubber (_Hevea Braziliensis_), Cacao (_Theobroma cacao_), and Oil Palms (_Elæis Guineensis_), Red Ironwood (_Lophira procera_), Mahogany (_Khaya euryphylla_), and Heavy Mahogany (_Entandrophragma sp._).

At Mussake at an elevation of 6,000 feet on the side of the Cameroon Mountains, there was a quinine plantation. At an elevation of 3,000 feet at Buea there were small experimental plantations of tea, Ceylon and ordinary, quinine and Casuarina. Several of the roads had been planted with avenues of cypress and Biota trees. On the coast at Victoria, small Casuarina plantations had been made. For the furtherance of all agricultural and forestal interests, the very extensive Botanical Gardens had been made. Not only is it the largest, but it contains the most extensive collections of plants of economic value and for ornament of any place on the West Coast of Africa. The very numerous test plots of most of the tropical commercially known plants, such as Nutmeg, Rubber, Cocoa, Cola, Cocoanut Palms, Oil Palms, Vegetable Ivory Palms, demonstrated how these grew in the Cameroons.

Then the agricultural areas of Cacao-yams, Casada, Sugar-cane, Rice, one and all were destined to demonstrate the value and possibilities of growing these products in the Cameroons. Then again the forest tree plots of Teak, Casuarina, Mahogany (_Swietenia macrophylla_), Trinkomalee Wood (_Berrya ammomilla_), Gum Copal (_Copaifera Demeusii_), Candle Nut (_Aleurites Moluccana_), Balsam of Peru (_Toluifera Pereiræ_), _Terminalia sp._, _Dillenia Indica_, show how these trees will thrive in this locality. In growth, an avenue of Indian Almond, _Terminalia Catappa_, could not be compared with those at Lome.

Again, all showed what forest products and forest trees were most suitable to that climate.

In the garden Museum, there were collections of timbers, fibres, rubber, gums, resins, as well as mineral products; also very full collections of the seeds, nuts and fruits of the trees and plants. Finally, there was the large and well-equipped building of the Experimental and Agronomical Institute, where chemical analyses of the soil and other processes could be undertaken and tested. Here also all the very full meteorological results were tabulated, as well as other observations on the spot. This served also as a centre to which planters or Government officers could send specimens or material to be named or to be examined as to their value. Allied with this, but having a separate building, was the Agricultural School, where pupils were trained in the elements of agriculture and forestry, so that they might subsequently act as instructors at the different Government stations and also serve as assistants on the plantations.

Although economically much more backward than Nigeria, and with a smaller population in a proportionate area than that in the Southern Provinces, the possibilities in the development of the forest products are even greater, especially in regard to that of palm kernels and all the various kinds of timber for which West Africa is gradually becoming well known. The main difference in working would appear to be that owing to the lack of population, much greater use of animal and mechanical means of transport, and especially mechanical appliances, as well as machinery, are necessary to make the labour most productive, as well as to economize without upsetting the present agricultural system and the very necessary production of food-stuffs for the local population, as well as for sending to the larger towns.

THE CONGO FRANÇAISE, OR THE FRENCH GABOON

To English-speaking mahogany producers and users the latter name conveys more, and reminds them of one of the chief products, Gaboon Mahogany, _Oukoumea Klaineana_, which had but a poor name in the London market. This rich French colony, however, should mean a great deal more to us with its huge extent, upwards of 300,000 square miles, and its comparatively large open waterways all flowing into the giant Congo. Its comparatively thin population per unit of area, and its almost impenetrable forests make it one of the largest of the last remaining primeval forests of Africa. Already before the war it was the largest timber exporting country of the West Coast of Africa. However, its somewhat ill-regulated timber trade had one or two drawbacks and laboured under several disadvantages. Most of the timber was shipped in the round—i.e. round logs. This means, of course, that in stowing these logs in the ship space is lost between them, and that space is charged for by the shipping company, despite the fact that it is often filled with “dunnage” in the shape of Ebony billets or even Camwood. In the round log, too, there is all the sapwood, and for this the merchant does not expect to pay much, if anything, and there is no doubt that it tends to depress the value of the timber, whatever it may be. The mere fact that the log is in the round is sufficient. Quite apart from that factor, too, a round log, even when it is a beautiful bit of redwood, never looks so well nor so workmanlike as a hewn squared log with clean- cut sawn ends. The sapwood, being softer than the heartwood, is more easily damaged than the heartwood in the squared log, so this is an additional reason why the round log often does not look as well as a squared one.

Amongst the most important timbers exported from the French Gaboon which are known and have been found suitable to the English market are the following:

1. Okoume or Angouma. Gaboon Mahogany. _Oukoumea Klaineana_.

2. Zaminguila or Ombega. Mahogany. _Canarium?_.

3. Duika. Mahogany. _Irvingia Barteri?_.

4. Kambala. Oak. _Chlorophora excelsa_.

5. Mandji or Bilinga. _Afzelia Africana_, or sometimes said to be _Sarcocephalus Pobeguinii_.

The first named has always sold at a cheaper rate in the London market than the timber obtained from the other genii of West African Mahogany, such as Khaya, Entandrophragma, Pseudocedrela and Lovoa. First of all, as with other timbers, the Gaboon Mahogany is shipped in round logs, which are cut none too straight at the ends, owing to the rough usage they get in the long transport by water; before and when reaching the port of shipment they are often much damaged externally, which gives them a bad appearance. The wood is not only lighter in weight but also lighter in colour than the other West African Mahoganies, and both these qualities detract from its value. The grain is more open; it rarely if ever shows any figure, in comparison to the highly figured logs from Benin and Bassam. Having been tested very thoroughly as to tensile, torsion and compression strengths since the beginning of the war, it has not proved to be nearly as strong as the other West African Mahogany. These tests having been conducted with scientific accuracy and impartiality, they are to be trusted. Thus, for some purposes, such as aeroplane propellor construction, Gaboon Mahogany has proved unsuitable. However, it is only the very best, very strongest and most durable kinds of mahogany that will stand the most severe strains, such as wood is subject to when used in this work. However, that does not preclude the wood from being used for similar purposes as the other kinds of West African Mahogany, where the strains and stresses are not so great and where the lighter colour is no advantage. In fact, in many positions a greater lightness in the weight of the wood would be a distinct advantage, which should be pressed for all it is worth.

Zaminguila is becoming better known, though previous to the war it could not be said that it had an established place in the market.

Duika Mahogany is scarcely known, and may be the wood of _Irvingia Barteri_.

Kambala or Oak, which is also known as African Teak, is much better known now, and in fact there is a steady demand for it, chiefly under the Nigerian name Iroko, which has been exported from Benin and Lagos in Nigeria in the form of “squared” logs.

Thus far very few forest regulations have been issued in the Congo Française and very little replanting has been done. However, for the present, the supplies appear to be very large, but they will no doubt get more costly as the timber has to be cut and obtained from the much more distant and inaccessible forests. Apparently there is little or no Khaya Mahogany in those regions, so that there is little fear of real competition between the main species of Mahogany found in the different West African countries. The natives work the timber chiefly, cutting and bringing it to the ports themselves.

THE BELGIAN CONGO

This, the greatest and largest river system in Africa, gives its name also to the largest compact forest area of that country. Of the 800,000 square miles, probably 700,000 are covered with forests of one type or another. From the mangrove swamps on the islands at the mouth of the Congo, through the dense evergreen forests of the Upper Congo to the dry-zone open deciduous or almost treeless areas of Katanga, an almost illimitable amount of unused sylvan wealth is to be found. Despite the obvious advantage of the Congo River, with its 3,000 miles suitable for timber transport and its hundreds of tributaries with many more thousand miles of streams, capable of floating logs, only the smallest quantities of mahogany are exported from the Belgian Congo.

No doubt the large size of the river and the great distance of some of the forests from the sea have hindered a more rapid and intensive exploitation of the forests. In fact, Mahogany (_Khaya sp._) as an export timber is not really so well known as Redwood (_Pterocarpus sp._), though the former has been shipped in the round. In the past a better known Belgian wood was blockwood or boxwood, known as _Polyadoa umbellata_ or _Dialium Guineense_. Other forest products, however, such as Gum Copal (_Daniellia sp._), are found in huge quantities, in large blocks weighing over a hundredweight, and have been exported for many years.

Large quantities of rubber, too, have been exported, and Oil Palm products, such as kernels and oil, are of increasing export importance, especially since Les Huileries de Congo have started working up the Oil Palm forests with modern means of transport and machinery on three different tracts of 10,000 hectares each.

The railways of the Congo, supplementing as they do the waterways, have also not been used to any extent for the shipment of timber, though vast quantities of firewood have been burnt on them as well as conveyed to the various stations both near and on the River Congo. To some extent the paucity and low density of population per unit of area has tended to hinder the working of heavy produce such as timber, which is difficult to transport compared to rubber, with its higher value per unit of weight. Owing to this fact, too, near the mouth of the Congo there is an almost savannah forest on the banks of the river, which has given the country the appearance of not being an afforested one. In the past the system of huge, exclusive trading concessions over specific areas being granted only to one firm also hindered any free development of the more lower-priced forest produce such as timber.

SPANISH GUINEA

From Eloby, a little-known port situated in the middle of the coast of the Spanish possession south of the Cameroons, a great deal of Gaboon Mahogany (_Oukoumea Klaineana_), Redwood (_Pterocarpus Soyauxia_), and several other timbers have been exported. Despite the fact that the forests are not extensive, but almost untouched, and very rich in mahogany, a comparatively small number of firms have been working these areas. Apparently there are no forest laws, and there is little or no security for any forest rights one may acquire from the natives. It would be perhaps advisable to work areas here in conjunction with those in the Southern Cameroons. It is supposed to be more unhealthy in this part than in others, though probably this is due to the local conditions. Khaya is less common than elsewhere, while Redwood (_Pterocarpus Soyauxii_), Gaboon Mahogany (_Oukoumea Klaineana_) and Bilinga (_Afzelia sp._) are common woods. Again, _Canarium Schweinfurthii_ and other species are also very prevalent.

NOTES ON THE CAMEROON TREES

=Palmæ.=

_Raphia vinifera_ (Raph.). Wine Palm.

It is found in the district of Victoria. The leaves are 60 feet long.
Palm wine (called Mimbo) is obtained from this tree, also piassava
fibre.

_Elæis Guineensis_ (Jag.). The Oil Palm.

It is found in the Buea and Victoria districts chiefly, but is one of
the most widely spread trees of the Cameroons. Oil, kernels and cake
are obtained from it, also palm cabbage from the growing shoots at the
top. The oil is collected by the primitive efforts of the natives.

_Phœnix reclinata_. Swamp Palm.

It is largely used in the Dschang and Ossidinge districts for making
palm wine, by tapping near the root.

=Commelinaceæ.=

_Palisota hirsuta_.

Found in the Victoria district.

=Iridaceæ.=

_Antholyza Zenkeri_.

Found in the district of Dschang.

=Ulmaceæ.=

_Trema Africana_.

Found in the district of Buea.

=Moraceæ.=

_Chlorophora excelsa_. Bush Oak. Vai (Bali); Abwang (Bare); Ntong (Fontem and Bangwa); Emang (Bakossi); Obang (Bafo); Bobang (Balong); Mokongo or Momangi (Bakundu); Momangi (Bakwiri); Bang (Duala).

One or two found on an area of 2½ acres in the districts of Johann
Albrechts Höhe and Mbo. Height, 97½ to 162 feet. Time of flowering,
December to February.

_Musanga Smithii_ (R. Br.). Umbrella Tree. Ikomba (Bare); Ekombo (Bakossi); Ekomba (Bago); Bokombo (Bakundu); Lisengi (Bakwiri); Bosenge (Duala).

The wood is soft and like cork in texture. Found in the district of
Dschang and along the coast. Height, 97½ feet.

_Myrianthus arboreus_. Bokukulende (Bakossi); Wokeku (Bakwiri); Bokeku (Duala).

Found in the Undu districts of Buea and Dschang.

_Treculia mollis_ (Engl.).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Treculia Africana_. Boembe (Bakundu); Bwembi (Bakwiri).

Found in the districts of Buea and Dschang.

_Myrianthus arboreus_. Wokaka (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Fako, Buea.

_Ficus populifolia_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Ficus Capensis_. Ekol (Bakossi); Ekolo (Bakundu); Monja (Bakwiri).

Found in the districts of Buea and Dschang.

_Ficus courania_. Wotenge (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Buea.

_Ficus Schimperia_. Njondji (Bakwiri).

Found in the districts of Dschang and Buea.

_Antiaris toxicaria_.

Found in the district of Buea.

=Olacaceæ.=

_Ongokea Kamerunensis_ (Engl.).

It grows to the height of 97½ feet and has a yellowish heartwood.
Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Strombosiopsis tetrandra_.

Height, 32½ feet to 97½ feet. Found in the district of Johann
Albrechts Höhe and Bipindi.

_Coula edulis_. Bokumia (Bakundu); Bonwula or Woula (Duala); Wokomea (Bakwiri).

Height, 48¾ to 97½ feet. Found in the district of Johann Albrechts
Höhe. Time of flowering, October. This is a good building wood.

_Strombosia grandifolia_ (Hook.). Ifondo or Wofondo (Bakwiri).

Grows in the Dschang district chiefly, but spreads over the Cameroons.

_Strombosia glaucescens_ (Engl.).

Height, 32½ to 65 feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

=Anonaceæ.=

_Enantia chlorantha_ (Oliv.). The Yellow-wood Tree. Bopalo or Bololo (Bakundu); Woyoyo (Bakwiri); Nje or Banuke (Duala).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. The wood is a beautiful yellow and is used in
furniture-making and carpentering, and the bark for building native
houses. Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Uvaria Busgenii_. Bopanda (Bafo); Bopande (Bakundu); Wofe (Bakwiri); Bope (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Uvaria microtricha_ (Diels).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet.

_Monodora myristica_ (Dun.).

Found in the district of Fako, Buea.

_Hexabolus megalophyllus_ (Engl. and Diels).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Hexabolus salicifolius_ (Engl.).

About 65 feet high. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Hexabolus grandiflorus_ (Benth.).

65 to 81¼ feet high, widely spread over the Cameroon country.

_Xylopia parviflora_ (Guill. and Perr.), (Engl. and Diels).

65 to 81¼ feet in height. Found in Bipindi and Johann Albrechts Höhe
districts.

_Isolona pleurocarpa_ (Diels).

Height, 48¾ to 81¼ feet. Found in Bipindi district.

=Myristicaceæ.=

_Pycnanthus Kombo_ (Warb.). Nutmeg. Ngitsa (Fontem or Bangwa); Pitchong (Ossidinge); Ngosame (Bakossi); Bosambe (Bakundu); Esamba (Bakwiri); Bokondo (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. It is a tall tree.
Used for building purposes.

_Staudtii stipitata_ (Warb.).

Height, 97½ to 123½ feet. Found in the district of Johann Albrechts
Höhe. The wood is hard.

_Staudtii Kamerunensis_ (Warb.).

Height, 97½ to 113¾ feet. Found in West Africa. This tree has a hard
reddish wood.

=Lauraceæ.=

_Tylostemon crassifolius_ (Engl.).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. This tree has a very hard
yellowish-brown wood.

=Rosaceæ.=

_Parinarium chrysophyllum_ (Oliv.).

Height, 48¾ to 81¼ feet. Found in the Bipindi and Johann Albrechts
Höhe districts.

_Parinarium_ (small). Ndikombo (Fontem or Bangwa).

Found in the Ossidinge district.

=Leguminosæ.=

_Piptadenia Africana_ (Hook.). Redwood. Erundu or Wunga (Bakundu); Edundu (Balong); Jondo (Bakwiri); Bolondo (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. It flowers in October
and changes leaf December to January. Height, 97½ to 195 feet.

_Piptadenia Winkleri_ (Harms.).

9¾ to 39 feet in height. Found in the Duala district.

_Millettia sp._ Bongongi (Bakundu); Bongongi (Duala); Bongongi (Sanaga River).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Hylodendron Gabunense_ (Taub.). Bokata (Bakundu).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe, Bipindi, Minifia and
Gabun. Height, 65 to 97½ feet.

_Platysepalum_. Djengu (Bakwiri); Tada (Duala).

Found in the district of Buea.

_Lonchocarpus Zenkeri_. Sosong (Bakossi); Epuepue (Bakwiri).

_Macrolobium Preussii_ (Harms.).

65 feet in height.

_Macrolobium Mannii_. Mokowa (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Buea.

_Macrolobium Zenkerii_ (Harms.).

65 feet in height. It grows in the Bipindi district.

_Oxystigma Mannii_ (Baill.), (Harms.). Softwood. Bosipi (Duala).

Height, 130 feet. Found in the district of Victoria. The wood is used
in building.

_Pterocarpus Soyauxii_ (Taub.). Bo (Balong); Boa (Bakundu); Muenge (Duala); Hiol or Mbia (Bakoko).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. Height, 81¼ feet to
97½ feet. The wood is mediumly heavy, blood-red in the heartwood,
difficult to plane; used in making heavy furniture.

_Copaifera Demeusii_. Bobanja (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. Height, 97½ feet.

To face p. 428.

_Tetrapleura Thonningii_ (Benth.). Kombolo (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. Height, 48¾ feet.

_Pentaclethra macrophylla_ (Benth.). Combolo (Duala).

A huge tree, over 65 feet in height, with tough, fibrous, reddish
wood. Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe, Bipindi and
Jaunde. It yields Owala oil.

_Albizzia Welwitschii_ (Welw.). Goo (Bali); Esang (Bakossi); Elund (Balong); Isaka (Bakundu); Esakasaka (Bakwiri); Bobai (Duala).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Albizzia Brownii_ (Walp.), (Oliv.). Isaka (Bakwiri).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. The wood is hard and much used in building. It
grows in the districts of Bipindi, Mimifia and Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Albizzia fastigiata_ (E. Mey.), (Oliv.).

Height, 97½ feet. Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. The
wood is moderately hard.

_Berlinia auriculata_ (Sol.).

Height, 32½ to 65 feet. Found in the Batanga and Bipindi districts.

_Berlinia acuminata_ (Sol.). Mbava (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Teko (Buea). Height, 48¾ to 81¼ feet.

_Erythrophlœum micranthum_ (Harms.).

65 to 130 feet in height. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Erythrophlœum sp._

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Erythrophlœum Guineense_ (Don).

Height, 97½ feet. Widely found through West Africa. The wood is much
used for house, bridge and ship building.

_Ostryoderris impressa_.

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Cynometra Mannii_ (Oliv.).

A high tree found in Victoria and Bimbi and on the coast.

_Cynometra multynge_ (Harms.).

Over 65 feet in height. Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts
Höhe and Bipindi.

_Scorodophlœus Zenkerii_ (Harms.).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe, Bipindi and Urwald.
Height, 48¾ feet.

_Parkia Zenkerii_ (Mim. Harms.).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Bipindi. Height,
48¾ to 65 feet.

_Wacuminata_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Baphia_.

Found in the district of Rio del Rey.

_Baphia Barombiensis_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Pterogopodium sp._

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Afzelia Africana_ (Smith).

Height, 32½ to 65 feet. Found in the Batanga, Lokundje, and Bipindi
districts.

_Afzelia Zenkeri_. Lom (Bakoko); Bobolo (Malimba).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. A giant tree with
edible seeds.

_Brachystegia cynometroides_ (Harms.).

Height, 113¾ feet. Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and
Mimifia.

_Erythrina excelsa_. Mokamu (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Buea. Height, 65 feet. Time of flowering is
December and January.

_Dialium Staudtii_ (Harms.).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Dialium Guineense_ (Willd.).

Height, 81¼ to 97½ feet. Widely spread through the Cameroon country.

_Dialium Zenkeri_ (Harms.).

About 32½ feet high. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Distemonanthus Benthamianus_ (Baill.).

Height, 97½ to 130 feet. Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts
Höhe and Mimifia.

_Distemonanthus sp._

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Calpocalyx Dinklagei_ (Harms.).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Bipindi. Height,
32 to 48¾ feet.

_Newtonia Zenkeri_ (Harms.).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Bipindi. Height,
97½ to 113¾ feet.

_Adenocarpus Mannii_.

District, Fako, Buea.

_Detarium macrocarpum_ (Harms.).

Height, 81¼ to 97½ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Indigofera Atriceps_.

Found in the district of Fako, Buea.

_Phutophyllum mirabile_.

Found in the district of Rio del Rey.

_Galium aparine_.

District, Victoria.

_Daniellia caudata_.

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Afrormosia laxiflora_.

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Cylicodiscus Gabunensis_ (Harms.). Edum (Bafo); Emang (Bakossi).

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe. A tree with enormous trunk and bark
resembling the pine; the wood is reddish. Height, 97½ to 130 feet.

_Trachylobium sp._

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Fillæopsis discophora_ (Harms.).

Height, 48¾ feet. Found in the Bipindi district. Called by the
Kameroon Holz Syndicate “Milletia.” A big tree with huge paper-like
pods.

_Stemonocoleus micranthus_ (Harms.).

Height, 81¼ to 97½ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Pithecolobium altissimum_ (Oliv.).

Height, 48¾ to 81¼ feet. Found in Bipindi.

_Stachyothyrsus Staudtii_ (Harms.).

Height, 81¼ feet. Found in the Mimifia and Bipindi districts.

=Linaceæ.=

_Phyllocosmus sessiliflorus_ (Oliv.).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. Height, 48¾ to 81¼
feet.

=Erythroxylaceæ.=

_Erythroxylon Mannii_ (Oliv.).

Height, 48¾ feet. Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and
Bipindi.

=Rutaceæ.=

_Fagara Rederi_ (Oliv.). Wongo (Bakundu); Woongo (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Buea.

_Fagara altissima_ (Engl.).

Found in the Bipindi district. Height, 48½ to 81¼ feet.

_Zanthoxylum Senegalense_. Nitone (Fontem or Bangwa).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

=Simarubaceæ.=

_Irvingia Barteri_ (Hook.). The so-called Wild Mango. Bope (Bafo); Bopek (Balong); Weke (Bakundu); Bwiwa (Bakwiri); Bwiba ba mbale (Duala).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district specially, but widely
spread through West Africa.

_Irvingia Gabunensis_. Etue or Etu (Bakossi); Botuba (Bafo); Bopala (Bakundu).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Odyendea Gabunensis_ (Pierre).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. Height, 65 to 97½ feet.

_Klainedoxa Gabunensis_ (Pierre).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. Height, 65 to 97½ feet.

_Klainedoxa grandifolia_ (Engl.).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Pierreodendron grandifolium_.

Found in the Rio del Rey district.

=Burseraceæ.=

_Pachylobus Zenkeri_.

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Pachylobus edulis_ (G. Don). Bosao (Bakundu); Sao or Bosao (Duala); Bokuka (Etam).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. A fruit tree of about 65
to 97½ feet in height, having dark-green, alternating, bipinnate
leaves, smooth bark and reddish to grey-yellow wood. The wood is used
to make axe-handles; the tree also yields resin.

_Pachylobus var._ (Mbafo according to Engler). Bosao (Bakundu).

A fair-sized tree with reddish and greyish-yellow wood. It has a good
heartwood, used for the axles of wheels; also for calabashes. Found
throughout West Africa.

_Canarium auriculatum_. Bweii (Bali); Wotua (Bakwiri).

Found in the Victoria district.

_Canarium Schweinfurthii_ (Engl.).

Height, 113 to 130 feet. Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district
principally, but is fairly common throughout West Africa. The wood is
white and is used for building.

_Canarium Mansfeldianum_.

Found in the Ossidinge district.

=Meliaceæ.=

_Entandrophragma Rederi_. Njokubwele (Bakundu); Won (Bakwiri).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Entandrophragma utilis_.

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Entandrophragma Candollei_ (Harms.).

Height, 97½ to 130 feet. Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.
The wood is similar to mahogany.

_Guarea glomerulata_. Bobe ba ndiko (Bakundu); Lilualamombe (Bakwiri); Timba or timba nundi (Duala).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. This wood is, like
mahogany, used for furniture, also window-wood. This tree is
frequently attacked by boring insects.

_Trichilia rubesilus_ (Oliv.). Ifassoa (Bakwiri).

Found in the Buea district. Height, 17½ to 32½ feet.

_Trichilia Prieureana_ (Juss.).

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. Height, 32½ to 39 feet.

_Khaya Klainii_ (Pierre).

The most valuable mahogany is obtained from this tree.

It is abundantly found in West Africa.

_Khaya euryphylla_ (Harms.).

From 97½ to 130 feet in height. Found in the districts of Johann
Albrechts Höhe and Buea.

_Khaya Senegalensis_.

Found in the district of Victoria.

_Turraeanthus Zenkeri_ (Harms.).

Found in the Jaunde and Buea districts. Height, 65 feet.

_Carapa procera_ (D.C.).

Height about 65 feet. Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district. It
yields a wood very like mahogany, useful in building and carpentry.

=Euphorbiaceæ.=

_Ricinodendron Africanum_ (Mull. Arg.). Esango (Bakossi); Wonjasanga (Bakundu); Wonjangasanga (Bakwiri); Njangsang (Duala); Ehan (Bakoko).

Height, 48¾ to 81¼ feet. Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Lepidoturus occidentalis_. Longoso (Bakundu); Longoso (Bakwiri); Joloso (Duala).

District, Mbo.

_Macaranga sp._

Found in the district of Buea.

_Macaranga rosea_. Boka (Bakundu); Njon bwele (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. Time of flowering,
November.

_Bridelia stenocarpa_ (Mull. Arg.). Esenge (Bakundu); Mosenge (Bakwiri); Tata (Duala).

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe. It flowers in February and changes
leaf in December and January. The wood is light yellow with large,
open pores.

_Bridelia macrocarpa_. Esenge (Bakundu).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Alchornea floribunda_ (Mull. Arg.).

Sometimes found over 81¼ feet in height. It is widely spread over the
Cameroons.

_Alchornea cordifolia_. Dibobonga (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Antidesma laciniatum_. Liwoma (Bakwiri).

It grows in the Buea district.

_Claoxylon Preussii_ (Pax.).

It is found in the district of Buea.

_Croton pyrifolius_.

Found in the district of Buea.

_Phyllanthus discoideus_.

Found in the district of Buea.

_Uapaca Staudtii_ (Pax.). Bosambi (Bakundu).

Found in the district of Buea.

_Hevea_.

A rubber-tree which needs less soil than the Funtumia. Its extension
has been hampered by lack of seed. It suffers much from root diseases.
The tree is found in the Buea district.

_Sapium Mannianum_ (Mull. Arg.), (Bth.).

Height, 48¾ to 97½ feet. Widely spread over the Cameroon country.

_Grossera paniculata_ (Pax.). Nama tubave (Bakundu).

It grows in the Bipindi district. Height, 48¾ to 65 feet.

=Anacardiaceæ.=

_Sorindeia trimera_ (Oliv.).

Height, 48¾ feet. Very plentiful throughout the Cameroons.

_Pseudospondias microcarpa_ (A. Rich., Engl.).

Height, 32½ to 48¾ feet. Found in the Buea district and throughout the
Cameroons.

_Trichoscypha Bipindensis_ (Engl.).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. It is found in the Bipindi district.

=Sapindaceæ.=

_Phialodiscus Zambesiacus_.

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Deinbollia pycnophylla_ (Gilg.).

Height, 65 feet. It is found in the Bipindi district.

=Tiliaceæ.=

_Desplatzia Dewewrei_.

Found in the (Boanda) Buea district.

_Grewiopsis globosa_. Ebonga evodi (Duala).

This is a small tree having yellow fruit, the size of a man’s fist,
used as food for elephants.

District, N.W. Africa.

_Grewiopsis discophora_.

District, N.W. Africa.

=Malvaceæ.=

_Pavonia Schimperiana_.

Dschang and Buea district.

=Bombacaceæ.=

_Ceiba pentandra_. Silk-cotton Tree. Monga (Balong); Mungongo (Duala).

Yields timber, bast, tanning materials, wool for stuffing, oil, etc.;
fruit woody.

_Adansonia digitata_. Baobab. Sometimes called “Asses Bread.”

It yields timber, fibre, tanning materials, etc. The pulp of the fruit
and the seeds are edible. Found in the savannah forests and also near
villages.

_Eriodendron_. Silk-cotton.

District, West Africa.

_Bombax buonopozense_. Silk-cotton.

District, West Africa. The tree yields timber, wool for stuffing,
fibre, oil, etc.

=Sterculiaceæ.=

_Sterculia oblonga_ (Mast.). Engele or Ongele (Balong); Bongele (Bakundu); Ekonge (Bakwiri); Bongele or Bopum ba nji (Duala).

It grows in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. A large tree having
opposite leaves and smooth bark, which rapidly turns red when exposed
to the air. The wood is much used for planks.

_Sterculia tragacantha_. Poose (Bakundu); Ndototo (Bakwiri); Pio (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. It flowers in
November.

_Sterculia grandifolia_. Kamdjok (Ossidinge).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Ossidinge.

_Sterculia cordifolia_. Lom (Bakoko).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Ossidinge.

_Sterculia acuminata_, syn. _Cola acuminata_ (?).

Much cultivated in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district and on the
mountain slopes. The nut of this tree is very much used in chocolate-
making and is very refreshing.

_Sterculia rhinopetala_ (K. Schum.).

Height, 81¼ to 113¾ feet. This tree yields an excellent building wood.

_Cola sp._

Found in the districts of (Muea) Buea.

_Cola sulcata_.

It is found in the district of (Boanda) Buea.

_Cola altissima_ (Engl.).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Cola marsupium_.

Found in the district of (Boanda) Buea.

_Pterygota Kamerunensis_.

Found in the district of Mungo River.

_Xeropetalum Dombeya_.

Found in the Dschang district.

_Triplochiton scleroxylon_ (K. Schum.). Nkom (Bakossi); Ejuong (Jaunde).

This tree yields a good timber and furniture wood. The leaves are very
similar to those of the maple. Found very plentifully in the Cameroon
country.

_Theobroma cacao_. Cocoa Tree.

There are about twenty species of this tree. The Cameroon country is
the richest in the world for cocoa. It grows chiefly in the low-lying
country of the Mungo, Wari and Sanaga Rivers, in the Duala and Yabassi
districts and Edea; also on the slopes of the Cameroon mountains. It
is much attacked by cockchafer grubs (brown rot) and bark bugs. The
world’s supply from _T. cacao_ has been going on for five hundred
years, and consequently has developed varieties showing a marked
difference from the original type.

=Scytopetalaceæ.=

_Oubanguia Klainei_ (Teigh.).

District, Buea. Height, 48¾ to 65 feet.

=Ochnaceæ.=

_Lophira alata_ (Banks). Ironwood. Boko (Bakundu); Ndonge (Bakwiri); Bongossi (Duala).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Mbo. Diameter, 7½
to 10½ feet. Height, 162½ feet. The time for flowering is December and
January and February for ripe fruit. A good, very hard wood, used for
stair treads.

_Ouratea monticola_.

Found in the Buea district.

=Guttiferæ.=

_Endodesmia calophylloides_ (Bth.).

Height, 81¼ to 130 feet. It grows abundantly throughout the Cameroon
country.

_Garcinia punctata_ (Oliv.).

Height, 65 to 81¼ feet. Plentiful in Cameroon, specially in the Johann
Albrechts Höhe district.

_Pentadesma butyraceum_ (Dom.).

A very high tree. Common throughout Cameroon.

_Haronga paniculata_. Konkwa (Bali); Worolongo (Bakwiri); Tolongo (Duala).

Found in the districts of Dschang and Buea.

_Symphonia globulifera_ (L. fil.).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. Found throughout the whole of West Africa.

=Flacourtiaceæ.=

_Flacourtia Ramontchii_. Wondo (Bakwiri).

Found in the Dschang district.

_Barteria aromatica_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Barteria fistulosa_. Ant-trees (Musimba).

Found in the Buea district.

_Lindackeria dentata_.

Found in the Buea district.

_Scottellia Mimfiensis_ (Gilg.).

Height, 48¾ to 97½ feet.

=Caricaceæ.=

_Carica papaya_.

Found in the district of Victoria.

=Thymelaceæ.=

_Lasiosiphon glaucus_.

Found in the district of Victoria.

=Rhizophoraceæ.=

_Poga oleosa_. Njove or Njole (Rio del Rey).

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Poga conophora_ (named after Muller). Njove or Njole (Rio del Rey).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Rhizophora mangle_ (Roxb.). Mangrove. Tanda (Duala).

It grows freely on the coast of West Africa. The bark is much used in
tanning.

=Alangiaceæ.=

_Alangium begonifolium_.

District, Buea.

=Combretaceæ.=

_Combretum cinerea_.

It grows in the Dschang district.

_Terminalia superba_ (Engl. and Diels). Nkom (Bakossi); Bokome (Bafo); Bokome (Bakundu); Djombe (Bakwiri); Mukonja (Duala).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. It grows abundantly throughout the Cameroon
country, but especially at Johann Albrechts Höhe. The wood is hard,
light yellow and close grained; much used for making windows and
shutters.

=Melastomaceæ=

_Amphiblemma polyneuron_.

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Memecylon macrodendron_ (Gilg.).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

=Araliaceæ.=

_Schefflera Hookeriana_ (Harms.).

Found in the Buea district.

=Myrsinaceæ.=

_Mæsa lanceolata_.

Found in the Dschang district.

=Sapotaceæ.=

_Mimusops sp._

_Mimusops Djave_ (Laness), (Engl.). Nsab (Bare); Bonjabi (Bakundu); Njabi (Duala).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Mbo. Height, 178¾
feet. Diameter, 6½ feet. There is frequently a clear bole of 97½ feet,
containing 6,380¼ cubic feet of wood (181 cubic metres). The nuts are
much valued locally as food.

_Chrysophyllum Africanum_.

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Chrysophyllum macrophyllum_. Wonjanja (Bakwiri).

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe and Buea.

_Omphalocarpum Radlkoferi_ (Pierre).

Height, 65 feet. Found throughout West Africa. This tree yields timber
and a sort of gutta-percha.

_Butyrospermum Parkii_ (Kotschy.). Shea Butter.

District, N. West Africa. This tree yields a gutta-percha-like resin,
edible fruits, and from the seeds a fat (Shea butter).

_Omphalocarpum Pierreanum_ (Engl.).

Height, 65 to 81¼ feet. Found in the district of Bipindi.

=Ebenaceæ.=

_Diospyros suaveolens_ (Gurke). Ebony.

Height, 32½ to 48¾ feet. Found in the district of Johann Albrechts
Höhe.

_Diospyros atropurpurea_ (Gurke). Ebony. Efindofindo (Bafo); Findefinde (Balong); Epindepinde (Bakundu); Findefinde (Bakwiri); Epindepinde (Duala).

District, Johann Albrechts Höhe, Bipindi and Buea, and Muyuke. The
tree flowers in April and May; the fruit is ripe in October. It yields
timber, tanning and dyeing materials, mucilage, edible fruit (date-
plums), fish-poison and medicaments. The wood is very hard and of a
yellowish colour, the bark black. It is principally used for
furniture.

_Diospyros megaphylla_ (Gurke).

Height, 32½ to 48¾ feet. It grows near Bipindi.

_Diospyros Bipindensis_ (Gurke).

Height, 48¾ feet. It is found in the Bipindi district.

_Diospyros Kamerunensis_ (Gurke).

Height, 48¾ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Diospyros Dendo_ (Welw.).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. It is found throughout the Cameroon country.

_Diospyros Gilgiana_ (Gurke).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Diospyros nsambensis_ (Gurke).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Diospyros mamiacensis_ (Gurke).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet.

_Diospyros aggregata_ (Gurke).

Over 65 feet in height. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Diospyros incarnata_ (Gurke).

Height, 32½ to 39 feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Diospyros mespiliformis_ (Hochst.).

The sapwood is yellowish-white and close-grained. It is very useful in
turnery. The tree is found widely spread over West Africa.

=Loganiaceæ.=

_Nuxia Mannii_ (Oliv.).

District, (Fako) Buea.

_Anthocleista Zenkerii_, also known as Bopolo-polo.

Found in the Johann Albrechts Höhe district.

_Strychnos gnetifolia_ (Gilg.).

Height, 65 to 97½ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

=Apocynaceæ.=

_Kicksia elastica_. Dinjongo (Bafo); Dinjongo (Bakundu); Manjongo (Bakwiri); Ebonga manyongo (Duala).

Found in the districts of Johann Albrechts Höhe and Buea.

_Rauwolfia macrophylla_ or _gonioclada_. Enonge (Bakundu); Kanja (Bakwiri); Bandonge (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. The time of flowering
is October and March.

_Rauwolfia vomitoria_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Alstonia Congensis_. Kuge (Bakossi); Bokuk (Balong); Kanja (Bakundu); Wokuka (Bakwiri); Bokuka ba mhale (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe. The wood is used for
making stools in the Kamerun country.

_Polyadoa umbellata_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Funtumia elastica_. Ireh Tree. (Lagos rubber.)

Found widely throughout West Africa. The chief rubber-yielding tree.
The tree suffers from the attacks of stag-beetles.

_Landolphia Dawei_. (Savannah rubber.)

Found in the primeval forests of West Africa. Several species yield
rubber, dyes and edible fruits (from which drinks are made).

=Convolvulaceæ.=

_Ipomæa involucrata_.

District, Rio del Rey.

=Borraginaceæ.=

_Cordia Irvingia_. Bola (Bakundu); Womba (Bakwiri); Bomba (Duala).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Cordia yombomba_. Jom (Ossidinge); Yombomba (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

=Verbenaceæ.=

_Avicennia tomentosa_ (Jacqu.). White Mangrove. Bunja (Duala). Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe and very frequently among coast vegetation. Height, 32½ to 48¾ feet. The wood is very beautiful.

_Vitex cuneata_.

Found in the district of Johann Albrechts Höhe.

_Vitex Bipindensis_ (Gurke).

Height, 32½ to 48¾ feet. Found in the Bipindi district.

_Clerodendron_. Mumbambe (Bakwiri).

Found in the district of Buea.

=Scrophulariaceæ.=

_Selaginella Vogelii_.

Found in the district of Victoria.

=Bignoniaceæ.=

_Spathoidea campanulata_. Jon (Bali); Etutu (Bakundu); Mbako (Bakwiri); Bwele ba Mbongo (Duala).

Found in the Dschang district.

_Kigelia acutifolia_. Sosong (Bakossi); Wulule (Bakwiri).

Found in the Dschang district.

_Markhamia lutea_. Abbe (Bakossi); Mawelu (Bakwiri); Mabanga (Duala).

Found in the Dschang district.

=Acanthaceæ.=

_Thomandersia laurifolia_.

District, Rio del Rey.

=Rubiaceæ.=

_Adina macrophylla_ (Lepr. and Guill.), (K. Schum.).

Found in the district of Victoria. Height of tree, 48¾ to 81¼ feet. A
yellowish wood, used in building and very good for furniture.

_Sarcocephalus sambucinus_ (Wint.). Tabu (Bali).

A very common tree in West Africa. It is a good building wood.

_Plectronia glabriflora_.

District, Dschang and Buea.

_Oxyanthus speciosus_. Wyfongo (Bakwiri).

District, Dschang and Buea.

_Canthium glabriflorum_.

District, N.W. Africa. This tree has grey bark and is like a palm in
appearance. It yields resin, and calabashes are made from the fruit.

_Morinda citrifolia_ (L.).

Height, 48¾ to 65 feet. It has a yellowish wood. A very common tree in
West Africa.

_Randia cladantha_ (_K. cladantha_).

Height, 65 to 81¼ feet. Very common throughout the Cameroon country.

=Compositæ.=

_Vernonia frondosa_ (Oliv.). Bopolopolo (Duala).

Found in the district of Rio del Rey.

_Vernonia conferta_. Bopolopolo (Duala).

Found in the district of Rio del Rey.

_Helichrysum fœtidum_ (Cass.).

Found in the districts of Victoria and Buea.

SOME CAMEROON TREES ONLY KNOWN BY NATIVE NAMES

Abange (Jaunde).

Adom (Jaunde).

Akaka (Jaunde); Ikaka (Bakundu). The wood is soft and nut-brown; it smells like pencil-wood.

Akondog (Jaunde).

Ase (Jaunde); Njokubore (Bakundu). The fruit is similar to the Entandrophragma (Meliaceæ), the root buttressed, and the leaves with rosettes on the branches.

Awong (Jaunde).

Bosambai (Jaunde).

Dibanga (Jaunde). A mediumly hard, greyish-brown wood with brown medullary rays; it is used for making furniture.

Ebe (Jaunde); Borimba (Bakundu). A giant tree with oval leaves, smooth on the top and having brownish hairs underneath.

Ehemba (Jaunde).

Ejan (Jaunde).

Ekoah (Jaunde).

Enjog (Jaunde).

Esang (Jaunde).

Lawonong (Jaunde).

Lobog (Jaunde).

Otungue (Jaunde).

Ebunja (Bakundu).

Ekambamba (Bakundu).

Enjenju (Bakundu).

Esok (Bakundu).

Idjnake (Bakundu).

Mbonda pondo (Bakundu). A very close-grained, hard wood.

Mondoa (Bakundu).

Bowasa (Duala).

Bwiba ba njon (Duala). A hard wood used for stair treads. At the Basel Mission the timber worked at was £2 per 35 cubic feet—Steyer and Pingel, at the rate of 10 shillings per 35 cubic feet—the latter firm working all kinds of wood of medium size.

Ebon (Duala).

Etotum (Duala).

Palambanja (Duala).

Tabako (Duala).

Eselebaka (Bakoko).

Ewnon (Bakoko).

Mpang (Bakoko and Basa).

Sibugang (Basa).