Francis Mburu

Evidence of fungicidal and termicidal properties of Prunus africana heartwood extractives

Wood extractives play an important role in natural durability (Mori et al. 1997; Reyes Chilpa et al. 1998; Celimene et al. 1999; Windeisen et al. 2002; Haupt et al. 2003; Neya et al. 2004). Prunus africana is distributed in dry highlands and Savannah forests throughout tropical Africa. The wood is heavy, hard and useful for construction work such as bridges, railway sleepers, fences and tool handles. Extracts from P. africana bark and leaves contain several pharmacologically active compounds (Stewart 2003). The heartwood of P. africana is dark brown or reddish brown and described as resistant to termites and fungi. However, in spite of its exceptional resistance, no data have been reported on the reasons for its natural durability. This study is dedicated to the nature and influence of extractives on the durability of P. africana.