Julbernardia seretii
Julbernardia seretii, commonly known as the Congo zebrawood, is a species of legume in the family Fabaceae. It is found in tropical West and Central Africa. Description. "Julbernardia seretii" is a large tree growing to a height of . The trunk is straight and cylindrical, up to in diameter, and without branches for more than half its height. The flowers are white and fragrant, and the fruits are large pods, the seeds weighing about . Distribution. This tree is a constituent of tropical rainforest in Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the  Congo and Angola. Ecology. In the Ituri Rainforest, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the dominant trees are "J. seretii" and "Gilbertiodendron dewevrei", while in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, "J. seretii" and "Cynometra alexandri" are the most abundant. The seeds of this tree fall to the ground and dispersal is limited to a distance of up to from the edge of the crown. "G. dewevrei" has larger seeds () with more limited dispersal ability. In general, in forests where they are both present, "J. seretii" has the more numerous, faster growing seedlings but "G. dewevrei" the greatest  presence in the canopy. The seedlings of both species can tolerate low light conditions, but among the saplings or taller, growth ceases in a higher proportion of "J. seretii" and mortality rates are considerably higher. This species also has a significantly lower lifespan than "G. dewevrei". Uses. The timber of "Julbernardia seretii", known as "Congo zebrawood" in the export trade, is dark brown and used in joinery, furniture, cabinet work and as a veneer. It also has uses in construction, boat building, flooring, carving and turnery, as well as being used for making ladders, toys, agricultural implements, tool handles and  other items. The bark is used to make sandals, cords, containers and roof tiles.