About Androstachys johnsonii Prain
Androstachys johnsonii Prain is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. It can be identified by its rough bark, and new growth bears a whitish, woolly, hair-like covering. Its leaf blades measure 3–9 cm long by 2–7 cm wide, arranged in opposite pairs at right angles to each other. Leaves range from ovate to heart-shaped, with both rounded apexes and rounded bases. The upper leaf surfaces are shiny, and colored green to blue-green, while the lower leaf surfaces are covered in dense, white, woolly hairs.
Within southern Africa, this species occurs in Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga, and Eswatini. It is most commonly found at elevations up to 1,000 m (3,000 ft). It forms dense shrub-like thickets, and grows best in hot, dry climates with well-drained soils, particularly on rocky hillsides or along seasonal watercourses.
The timber of Androstachys johnsonii Prain has economic value. The wood is extremely hard and durable. It is widely exploited in southern Mozambique, where it is called simbirre. In this region, it is well-suited for and used in flooring, and is commonly traded for use as hut pillars and fence posts. South African tourist operators in Mozambique have used it extensively to build structures near or in sea water. It is also traded under the name mecrussé in Mozambique, though this trade is rare, likely due to limited supply.
