Trema orientale

Trema orientale is native to tropical and southern Africa (including Madagascar), Asia (the Arabian Peninsula, China, eastern Asia, tropical Asia) and Australia.[6]

The wood is relatively soft, and burns easily and quickly when dry. The wood is suitable for paper and pulp production,[11][12] producing paper with good tensile strength and folding endurance.[11] The bark can be used for making string or rope, and used as waterproofing fishing-lines.[7][13] In India and Tanzania, the wood is used to make charcoal and is a good fire starter.[13]

This species has a high ecological impact with at least 14 species of butterfly using it as a larval food plant.[7] Several species of birds eat the fruit or feed on the abundant insects which live in these trees. Pigeons and doves are often found in these trees where they eat the fruits or make their nests; giving the origin of the name 'Pigeon Wood'.[7] The leaves, pods and seeds are used as fodder for cattle, buffaloes and goats in the Philippines.[11][14] The leaves are also browsed by game animals and can be used as spinach. This tree is a fast-growing species found in previously disturbed areas and on forest margins. It is a pioneer species that can grow on poor soil and can be used to regenerate forest areas by providing shade and protection to saplings of forest hardwoods. T. orientale is nitrogen fixing and can thereby improve soil fertility for other plant species.[14]

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  Flowers and leaves
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  Ripe fruit and bark
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  Green and ripe (black) fruit
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  Branch bent down to show leaves and fruit

• Pooley, E. (1993). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. ISBN 0-620-17697-0.