ABSTRACT
Maesopsis eminii Engl. (Rhamnaceae) is a widespread, generally short-lived, pioneer species of Africa’s equatorial rainforests, with a relatively wide and open crown, bearing simple alternate leaves on the young branches at the periphery. In the eastern part of the range, which includes much of Uganda, northwestern Tanzania and the most westerly part of Kenya, where heights of 25–35m are commonly attained, it is the main indigenous timber tree in volume production terms. The straight, unbuttressed, self-pruned bole 20m or more long and 70–80cm diameter at breast height (DBH), coupled with fast growth and suitability as a light hardwood for packaging and indoor use, account for extensive use in plantation forestry, both within and beyond the natural range.
