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Tali (Erythrophleum africanum)
Overview
Erythrophleum africanum — commonly referred to as African Blackwood or Ordeal Tree — is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree native to the tropical savanna regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This resilient species is notable for its adaptability to various soil types and climatic conditions, making it a prominent component of the dry woodlands and open grasslands where it thrives.
One of the tree’s most distinguishing features is its dark grey to almost black bark, which has a coarse, reticulate (net-like) texture. The leaves are compound and bipinnate, typically comprising 3 to 4 pairs of pinnae, each of which bears 8 to 17 small, oblong leaflets. During the flowering season, dense spikes of cream-colored, fragrant blossoms appear, often attracting a variety of pollinators. These flowers emit a pleasant honey-like scent and eventually give way to flat, brown, oblong seed pods, which contribute to the tree’s reproduction and ecological value.
Erythrophleum africanum is perhaps most well-known for its traditional medicinal applications. Historically, extracts from its bark and seeds have been used in various African cultures as a powerful "ordeal poison" in judicial rituals — a practice that gave rise to its common name, ordeal tree. Despite the toxicity of certain compounds within the plant, local communities have long utilized it in carefully prepared herbal remedies, particularly for treating fevers, respiratory conditions, and infections.
In addition to its medicinal value, the tree also provides durable timber, which is used locally for construction, tools, and firewood. Its gummy exudates are harvested for both traditional and practical uses. Due to the dense, tough nature of its wood and the tree’s cultural significance, it holds economic and ethnobotanical importance across much of its native range.
With its unique combination of ecological, medicinal, and utilitarian roles, Erythrophleum africanum stands as a remarkable species deeply integrated into the natural and cultural landscapes of tropical Africa.
| Species | Tali (*Erythrophleum africanum) |
| Origin | Africa |
| Grade | AIC |
| Thickness | 18mm to 300mm |
| Width | 40mm to 300mm |
Length | 4m to 8m |
| Drying | KD, AD |
Prominent uses |  |
Description & Distribution
Tali (Erythrophleum africanum) is a large, deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. It can grow up to 30 meters tall with a straight, sturdy trunk and a broad, spreading crown. The tree has distinctive, compound divided leaves and produces fragrant, pale yellow or white flowers followed by pod-like fruits that contain seeds. Tali is mainly found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thriving in moist, well-drained forests, often on easily accessible or clay-rich soils. Known for its valuable timber and medicinal properties, Tali plays a significant ecological and economic role in its native habitats across the African tropics.
Physical Characteristics
Crushing Strength: 79 MPa (+/- 11)
Specific Gravity (at 12% MC): 0.91g/cm3 (+/- 0.08)
Stability : Moderately stable to stable
Static bending strength: 128 MPa ( +/- 19)
Durability and resistance
Dry Wood Borers : Class D - Durable
Fungi: Class 1 - Very durable
Termites: Class D - Durable
Treatability: Class 4 - Not permeable
Typical Applications
● Sleepers
● Hydraulic works (fresh water)
● Stakes
● Industrial or heavy flooring
● Bridges (Parts not in contact with water or ground)
● Decking
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