African Teak
Milicia excelsa
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Pl. 9D20 — Milicia excelsa
Milicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsaMilicia excelsa
IOverview
Overview
African Teak (Milicia excelsa) is a towering tree native to the forests of Mozambique, Tanzania, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and Central African Republic. This member of the Moraceae family thrives in full sun with varying soil types—ranging from light sandy to heavy clay—and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, it is also valued for its timber, which resembles teak wood. One distinctive feature is its height, reaching up to 50 meters, making it a prominent species in the landscape. Its adaptability and utility make African Teak an important plant in both natural ecosystems and human settlements.
Quick answers
What is African Teak?
African Teak (Milicia excelsa) is a towering tree native to the forests of Mozambique, Tanzania, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and Central African Republic.
What is African Teak used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of African Teak
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- African Teak has been traditionally used in African herbal medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction from the bark or leaves.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and tannins that have known immunomodulatory effects.
- Traditionally, African Teak has been used in local medicine to aid digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort when prepared as a tea from the leaves.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that have carminative or anti-inflammatory properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
African Teak support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Teak (Milicia excelsa) thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It prefers dry to moist conditions but can be quite hardy within zones 10-12. This tree grows up to 50 meters tall and produces edible fruit and leaves. Ensure the soil remains well-drained while maintaining some moisture for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
50.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Teak for the first time
8steps
Start with a small African Teak sapling for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
African Teak sapling, potting mix, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix. Ensure the container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into your prepared pot, ensuring it is at the same depth as in its original container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry periods. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced plant food.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches as needed. Harvest leaves for culinary use if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:Fire starterDyeLumberHairMulchPioneerRoofingSandpaperSoil conditioner
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 26 native· 2 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)India
Africa22 regions
native (22)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMalawiMozambiqueNigeriaSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre
introduced:Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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