Catha edulis trunk

The bark on bigger stems of Catha edulis becomes grey, either remaining pale or becoming black on old trees and yellowish when pieces of old bark is shed. Initially smooth, the bark grows rough and cracked in a fine, grid-like pattern.

The wood of this tree is sometimes used for rafters, building poles, carpentry including cabinet making, carving and wood pulp (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).