Family: Leguminosae (Pea family)

Pterocarpus soyauxii is a useful multipurpose tree from forested areas in Central Africa, producing good-quality timber, dye, and has traditionally been used as a medicine. Today in Africa, the dye is still used to colour red fabrics, fibres and clothes. In DR Congo a pomade is made by mixing the red wood powder with oil and is then used as a body cosmetic (‘ngula’).

Other names: African Padauk

Pterocarpus soyauxii, also known as African padauk or African coralwood, is a species of the family Fabaceae. It is native to central and tropical west Africa, from Nigeria east to Congo-Kinshasa and south to Angola.