Quick facts
| Arabic name | الطنب |
|---|---|
| English name | Tanab (Sudan Teak) |
| Scientific name | Cordia africana |
| Family | Borage family (Boraginaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial tree |
| Height | 8 to 15 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
March to May
Not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A medium tree with a wide crown and big rough oval leaves. Fragrant white funnel flowers grow in dense clusters, followed by small round yellow-orange fruits with sweet sticky pulp.
Where it grows
Grows in warm valleys and slopes in the mountains of Asir, Jazan and Al-Baha.
Soil
Deep, well-drained soil in valley floors.
Water and irrigation
Medium water needs. It is common near seasonal streams.
Climate and light
Likes warmth and does not handle frost.
Propagation
By seed or cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- Its fruits are edible
- Flowers are rich in nectar and important for honey
- Good wood for doors, furniture and beehives
- Wide shade in valleys
Drawbacks
- Fallen fruits are sticky
- Does not handle frost
- Harmed by over-cutting
Important notes
Cutting native trees is prohibited. It is best grown in nurseries and planted back in its natural valleys.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Cordia africana
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Cordia africana
- Wikipedia: Cordia africana
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)