Euclea crispa subsp. crispa stem base

The stem base of this Euclea crispa subsp. crispa tree shows branching from ground level, not always the case in this species, but quite often seen. The bark is pale grey and smooth, roughness being rare, in the photo mainly reserved for some forks apart from the occasional crack. The lichen covering does more interesting things on the surface than the bark itself in this photo. The cracks may be more plentiful, the surface then rougher from it cracking into somewhat rectangular blocks.

The wood of this tree is sought after for fuel by some, while avoided by certain traditional populations. A pleasant aroma is exuded by a fire from this wood. The tree is often not long-lived, making its wood more easily available than some other forest species.

Conversely, a leafy branch of this tree is a handy tool when beating out grass fires once the available water has run out (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Pooley, 1993; Schmidt, et al, 2002).