07/09/2024
Mukima- Silky oak
Scientific name: Grevillia robusta
Common Names:
English: Silky oak; Kamba: Mukima: Kikuyu: Mubariti, Mukima; Kisii: Omokabiria; Luhya: Eshichuma, Wakhuisi; Nandi: Kapkawet, Chepkumyat.
Description:
A semi-deciduous tree to 20 m or more with a straight trunk, angular branches and an oval leafy crown. BARK: Dark grey, rough, vertically grooved.
It grows well in low fertility soil, is less competitive with food crops and tolerates pollarding.
Ecological Requirements:
Grevillea robusta grows well in areas between 850 to 2500 metres above sea level with a mean annual rainfall of 600 to 1500 mm and mean annual temperatures of 13Β°C to 21Β°C.
Soils
The pH range for good growth is around 4.5 to 7.5. Best growth is obtained on sandy loam, loam and clay loam textures.
Uses
1. In Kenya, natives of the Kakamega Forest use the plant to treat sore throats, earache, chest problems, flu, and toothache.
2. In North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, NE India, bark and leaves are used for headaches and dizziness.
3. In Kenya Pollarded branches are meeting much of the firewood needs, stems are used for timber, and the leaf litter is used as bedding material in livestock zero-grazing units
