Lovoa brownii Sprague

Lovoa trichilioides is a large forest tree, up to 40 m high with a dark heavy crown. The bole is cylindrical and the first branches appear at 18-25 m. Butresses usually absent. The bark is greyish on younger trees, but brownish, thin and scaly on older trees. The slash is reddish, cedar scented and produces a little sticky sap. Leaves compound pinnate, alternately placed, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets. The petiole is flat above and narrowly winged. Flowers small and numerous, greenish-white to white, growing in large lax panicles up to 30 cm long, some terminal. Each flower 4-part with a staminal tube resembling that of Entandophragma. Fruit black, spindle shaped and in bunches, open with 4 valves to release the 4-8 winged seeds. Each seed winged attaching it to the base of the fruit. The generic name Lovoa is after River Lovoi in Congo. The generic name 'trichilioides' implies its semblance to members of the genus Trichilia.

It is a monoecious, evergreen forest tree. Flowers can be found on the tree most of the year and its seeds are wind dispersed.

Prefers deep humid soils.

L. trichilioides, the only West African species of this genus is a monoecious evergreen forest emergent. But also occurs in thickets, gallery forest, mixed tropical forests and is extremely common in lake side forests in Uganda.

Plantations have been establishment in Cameroon and Nigeria, Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire.

Seedlings and wildlings are used in its propagation. Regeneration is abundant. The seeds should be sown with wings up and covered up to 75% with soil.

L. trichilioides tends to branch early and pruning should be done to improve its form. In plantations, it can take up to 30 years to mature.

Wood attacked by fungi and insects.

The species seeds profusely and the winged seeds are gathered from the ground, there are about 4 400 seeds/ kg. The seeds are highly vulnerable to insect attack, it is therefore advisable to store them in sealed containers in a cool place.

Shade or shelter: L. trichilioides is a good shade tree. Reclamation: It is being promoted in afforestation programmes in Uganda. Nitrogen fixing: It forms vesicular arbiscular mycorrhizal associations with some fungi. Ornamental: Planted as an avenue tree. Intercropping: Does well as a pure stand or together with crops, e.g. coffee and banana plantations in Uganda.

Fuel: The tree provides fuelwood. Timber: The wood is easy to work, provided sharp tools are used. It dries easily, nailing and screwing are easy but the wood may sometimes crack. Drilling, turning and milling are easy glueing, varnishing, staining offer no difficulties. The wood has a specific gravity of 0.54. The sapwood is narrow, greyish to beige in colour and not durable. Lovoa is used as a substitute for true walnut in furniture and high-class joinery, veneer and plywood. Other uses include panelling, joinery, ship building flooring, pianos, radio cases, car and carriage building.