Sterculia oblonga, commonly known as the yellow sterculia, is a tropical rainforest tree in the family Malvaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa and is exploited commercially for its timber. The species is threatened by habitat loss and over-exploitation. [1]
A medium-sized evergreen rainforest tree (size varies by locality). It produces commercially valuable timber and has the general habit typical of canopy or sub-canopy species in humid tropical forests. Detailed morphological characters (leaf shape, flower structure, fruit type) should be added from a reliable taxonomic source.
Distribution and habitat
Native to tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, with reported occurrences in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Occurs in lowland moist forests and gallery forests; elevation range and habitat specifics need citation.
Uses
Harvested for its timber, which is used locally and commercially for construction, furniture and general carpentry. Local names and specific wood properties (density, durability, common trade names) should be sourced from forestry references.
Conservation
Assessed as Vulnerable (IUCN 2.3) due to ongoing habitat loss and exploitation for timber. Populations are believed to be declining where deforestation and selective logging are intense. Conservation actions, protected populations, and any national legal status should be verified against up-to-date IUCN or national assessments. [1]
Taxonomy
Originally described as Sterculia oblonga Mast.; the name Eribroma oblonga has been used in some treatments and is listed as a synonym by several botanical databases. Verify the currently accepted name against major plant databases (Kew POWO, Tropicos).
External links
[Link to occurrence records (GBIF) — add when available]
[Link to Kew Plants of the World Online entry — add when available]
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