![](https://forestcenter.iita.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1024_Brachystegia-nigerica-fruit-seeds-D.jpg)
24 Jul Brachystegia nigerica
Scientific name: Brachystegia nigerica Hoyle & A.P.D. Jones.
Family: Leguminosae.
Distribution/conservation status: endemic to wetter areas of forest in southern Nigeria where trees may be abundant in small localised populations. Vulnerable (VU) due to deforestation and clearance for agriculture.
Common names: Okwen (Edo), Agunri, Eku (Yoruba), Achi (Igbo)
Fruits/seeds: large purplish-brown to black, oblong flat pod containing on average four dark brown, disk-shaped seeds.
Fruiting time: October – December, June.
Seed collection: fruits explode/rupture to release seeds under or around the tree.
Type of seed: recalcitrant.
Sowing method: sow at a depth of 1 – 2cm with seed laid flat in the soil.
Sowing medium: forest soil.
Germination period: 14 – 21 days.
Germination percentage: 55 – 60%
Growth/development: transplant seedlings when they reach a height of at least 1m.
Notes: Seeds are heavily predated. Soaking seeds in water for 1 day may increase germination rate. Wildlings may be found along trails in forest areas where there are parent trees, indicating that seedlings respond well to higher light levels.
![Picture of Brachystegia nigerica fruit & seeds](http://forestcenter.iita.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1024_Brachystegia-nigerica-seedling-D.Bown-P1280658-1024x768.jpg)
Brachystegia nigerica seedling. credit: D.Bown