What is iroko trees?

Iroko is a large hardwood tree species found in tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The scientific name of iroko is Milicia excelsa, and it is also known by other common names such as African teak, intule, and mvule.

Iroko trees can grow up to 50 meters in height and have a trunk diameter of up to 2.4 meters. They have a straight bole with minimal branching at the lower levels, and their bark is smooth and grey-brown in color. The leaves of iroko trees are oval-shaped, dark green, and glossy.

Iroko wood is highly valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to insects and fungi. It is commonly used for furniture making, flooring, construction, and as a material for boat building. The wood is also used in traditional medicine for treating ailments such as malaria, dysentery, and fever.

Iroko trees are important for the ecosystem as they provide timber and non-timber forest products, prevent soil erosion, and serve as habitats for various wildlife species. However, unsustainable logging and deforestation have posed a threat to the conservation of iroko trees and their ecosystems.