Kumukimila… Generational Tree (combretum molle)

Derivation of the name: Kimila, Kimwima - tradition. Bimiila - generations.

A tree for generations:kumurongoro kwe bimila. The tree is important for traditional ceremonies.

Natural habitat and distribution in bungoma: Habitat : woodland, bush-land, combretim-wooded grassland, rocky sites. Distribution: widely spread, found in woodland, on termite mounds, abundant in cultivated land, prefers rocky sites rather than Kumulaha ( Combretum binderianum )

Description: Bark dark grey, rough, fissured on the trunk. Leaves opposite, covered with soft velvety hairs  on both sides. Flowers yellow, in short axillary spikes appearing in April before the new leaves appear. Fruit 4- winged, brown.

Physical Features: Shape: small sized tree up to 10 m in height, oval to rounded. Foliage: semi-permeable, light shading, deciduous.

Biological features: Mulch: good mulch quality, leaves decompose slowly. Rooting System: rather deep. Tree/Crop association: The tree is associated with all types of crops, rarely cut in cultivated fields. Biomass Production: slow growing tree but high in leafy biomass production every year.

Other characteristics: Drought resistant, tolerant to  trampling, fairly termite resistant. The honey is said to have an unpleasant taste.

Reproduction: seedlings, root suckers.

Management: lopping, pollarding: regrowth is rather slow.

Ecological Benefit: soil conservation, afforestation of rocky hillsides, pioneer in fallow land.

Tree products and use: firewood, charcoal, timber, posts, fodder, ox-yoke, music instrument.

Medicinal application: Leaf: diarrhoea. Leaves are used for bathing. Bark: stomach-ache and backache. Bark/Root: malaria, endwasi. Root: hook worm infection. Furthermore, the tree is used to treat small pox, snake bites, fever, dysentery and leprosy.

Cultural Features: The roots of the Kumukimila are used to make the handle of the circumcision knife.