Testulea

Testulea
Conservation status
File:Status iucn2.3 EN.svg Endangered  (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Ochnaceae
Subfamily:	Ochnoideae
Tribe:	Testuleeae J.V.Schneid.
Genus:	Testulea Pellegr.
Species:	T. gabonensis
Binomial name
Testulea gabonensis Pellegr.

Testulea is a monotypic genus of plants in the family Ochnaceae. It contains only one species, Testulea gabonensis, an endangered species native to Central Africa.

Distribution and habitat

T. gabonensis is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, where it grows in primary rainforests. It is usually scattered at low densities throughout its habitat and prefers humid, well-drained locations.

Ecology

T. gabonensis typically flowers from December to April, with the seeds dispersed by wind. Grey parrots are known to feed on the seeds.

Uses

The wood of T. gabonensis is durable and may be used as a substitute for teak. It is traded on the international timber market under the name izombé, and is used is used for boat-building, construction, furniture, mine props, sporting equipment, sculpting, and turnery. The bark is used in traditional medicine.

Conservation status

T. gabonensis is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature under criterion A1cd, based on its declining population and continued exploitation for timber. It is overexploited in much of its range, and is vulnerable due to its small distribution and low density.