Ocotea bullata

Ocotea bullata - Stinkwood tree - Cape Town 2

Afromontane forest canopy - giant Black Stinkwood tree - SA

Ocotea bullata - Stinkwood tree - Cape Town 1

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Ocotea bullata
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Ocotea&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Ocotea
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Ocotea O. bullata
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Ocotea Ocotea bullata (Burch.) Baill.

Ocotea bullata, commonly known as the black stinkwood, is a species of tree in the Lauraceae family. It is native to the Afromontane forests of South Africa, particularly in the regions of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. This tree is highly valued for its dark, durable wood and has been extensively harvested, leading to its current status as a protected species.

Description

Ocotea bullata is a medium to large evergreen tree, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. The bark is dark brown to black and has a distinctive, unpleasant odor when freshly cut, which is the origin of its common name. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptic to lanceolate in shape. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe.

Habitat

Ocotea bullata thrives in Afromontane forests, often found along riverbanks and in moist, well-drained soils. It prefers altitudes ranging from 600 to 1800 meters above sea level. The species is adapted to a subtropical climate with high humidity and regular rainfall.

Conservation Status

Due to extensive logging for its valuable timber, Ocotea bullata has become rare in many parts of its natural range. It is currently listed as a protected species under South African law. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and the enforcement of logging restrictions.

Uses

The wood of Ocotea bullata is highly prized for its durability and attractive appearance. It is commonly used in the manufacture of furniture, flooring, and paneling. Additionally, the bark has been used in traditional medicine, although this practice has contributed to the decline of the species.

Related Pages

• Lauraceae
• Afromontane
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Eastern Cape
• Western Cape