‘Let me Eat’ Tree - Kumukhendie ( cordia monocia)

Derivation of the name: Ndekhendie - leave me to eat. If a stick out of kumukhendie is used to point at somebody, this person will die. To avoid being pointed at one will shout “ leave me alone to eat “

Natural habitat and distribution in Bungoma: Habitat: Deciduous bushlands, grassed bushland, woodland. Distribution: rather rare species, found in clump bushland on termite mounds, in rocky places and dry woodland. Occasionally the tree occurs in forest remnants.

Description: Bark grey, smooth, flaking in stripes. Leaves almost round, sandpapery above, densely hairy beneath, midrib and lateral veins prominent below. Flower greenish or yellow, fragrant, in dense terminal clusters. Fruit ovoid, orange, fleshy, about 15 mm in diameter, one seeded.

Physical Features: Shape: small tree up to 9m high, multi-stemmed. Crown: spreading  or rounded. Foliage: rather light, deciduous.

Biological features: Biomass production: slow-growing. Other characteristics: drought resistant, termite resistant, wood very durable and hard.

Reproduction: seeds.

Ecological benefit: diversity aspect, afforestation of rocky sites.

Tree products and use: bee-forage, fuelwood, charcoal, small timber, shade.

Medicinal application: Root: prevents bleeding.