Millettia cyanantha Dunn

Millettia dura is a small tree up to 13 m tall, DBH 35 cm. Young stems brownish pubescent. Leaflets 15-19, oblong, 8-9 cm long x 2-3 cm wide glabrous, except on the margins and midribs; leaf base asymmetric, tip acuminate. Leaf stipules strap shaped, 8 mm long, leaf rachis pubescent, up to 20 cm long; petiole 3-5 cm long; petiolules 3-4 mm long. Leaf stalk base has a pulvinus. Flowers in pendulous, brown pseudoracemes, up to 15 cm long, peduncle 5 cm, floral bracts oval 1-2 mm long, pedicels up to 13 mm. Calyx brown pubescent; tube 6 mm. Corolla mauve; standard white, silky outside, 25 mm long. Ovary 18 mm long, pubescent 8-11 ovulate. Pod flat, dehiscent, 14-20 cm long, up to 21 mm wide, glabrescent. Seeds ellipsoid, oblique, funicle dilated proximally. M. dura is easily confused with M. ferruginea. The generic name is after C. Millet, c.1830, an officer of the East Indian company. The specific epithet ‘dura’ reflects the locality from where the first botanical collection was made: the Dura River in Kibale forest Uganda.

M. dura is a hermaphroditic tree often fruiting when leafless.

Adapts to a variety of soils.

M. dura is naturally found in upland evergreen forest margins and remnants.

Seeds are sown in pots or directly.

M. dura is a fairly fast growing tree. Can be managed by lopping, coppicing and pollarding.

There are 6 000-10 000 seeds per kilogram. Germination is very good – up to 80% in 20 days. Soaking in cold water for 6 hours and seed coat nipping improves germination. Seed storage behaviour is orthodox but should be kept dry and insect free. Ash may be added to reduce insect damage.

Erosion control: An important tree for soil conservation and improvement. Shade or shelter: M. dura is an important shade tree in East Africa. Reclamation: This species is fast growing and drought resistant once established a good candidate for afforestation endeavours. Soil improver: The leaves are good mulch material and manure. Ornamental: A beautiful tree suitable for avenue planting and gardens, spectacular in bloom. Boundary or barrier or support: The termite resistant poles are good for fencing. Intercropping: M. dura is intercropped with tea for shade and soil improvement.

Fodder: The leaves can be fed to livestock. Fuel: The tree is an important source of firewood and charcoal. Timber: The wood is tough and resistant to termites. Used for poles and tool handles. Poison: Parts of the plant are reportedly poisonous.