The health and productivity of Diospyros mespiliformis requires specific management interventions. Since it is relatively slow-growing, management techniques must be timed accurately to coincide with the tree’s natural phenology—ideally during the dormant season or just before the onset of the rains. In this article, we explore three primary canopy and growth management techniques for the African ebony: Coppicing, Pruning, and Pollarding.
Coppicing: Regenerating from the Base
Coppicing involves cutting the tree down to near ground level to stimulate the growth of multiple new shoots from the stump. In the case of the Diospyros mespiliformis, it is primarily used for the production of small-diameter poles, firewood, or tool handles. It is also an effective way to rejuvenate old or diseased trees. Overall, the African ebony shows moderate to strong coppicing ability, especially when young (between 3 and 15 years). Older trees respond more slowly. Generally, Diospyros mespiliformis should not be coppiced when it reaches the age of 40, or if the main trunk is around 40 cm wide. The following is the recommended coppicing technique for the African ebony:
- Timing: Best performed in the late dry season, when the rains are about to begin.
- Frequency: Every 5-10 years.
- Stump Height: The cut should be made 10-15 cm above the ground.
- Angle: A slanted cut is essential to ensure water runoff, preventing stump rot.
- Selection: After the first season of regrowth, thin the resulting “flush” of shoots to the 2 or 3 strongest stems to ensure they develop into usable poles.
Pruning: Shaping for Quality and Fruit
Pruning is the selective removal of branches to improve the tree’s health, structure, and productivity. In the case of Diospyros mespiliformis, it encourages a strong, upright growth form suitable for timber or ornamental use. Pruning also improves light penetration into the inner canopy for fruit production. The recommended pruning technique for the African ebony is as follows:
- Formative Pruning: During the first 3-5 years, remove lower branches to encourage upward vertical growth.
- Sanitary Pruning: Regularly remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches (the “3 Ds”: Dead, Damaged, Diseased).
- The Three-Cut Method: To prevent bark stripping, first cut the underside of the branch, then the top side further out, and finally remove the stub at the branch collar.
- Timing: Best performed in the late dry season, just before the rains. Avoid pruning during heavy fruiting periods as this can stress the tree’s energy reserves.
- Frequency: Annual/Biennial.
Pollarding: Management at Height
Pollarding is the cutting of a tree at a specific height, usually 2 meters or more above the ground. This places the new, succulent growth out of reach of most grazers, ensuring the tree can regenerate safely. Pollarding also furnishes a multi-story canopy for shade-loving undergrowth. In the case of Diospyros mespiliformis, it is used for producing a regular supply of fodder and fuel without killing the tree. It is particularly ideal for silvopastoral systems where cattle or goats might browse young shoots. The recommended pollarding technique for the African ebony is as follows:
- Initial Cut: Select a height above the browse line of local livestock (2m+).
- The “Knuckle” Rule: Once you have established the initial pollard point (the bolling), never cut into the knuckle itself. Always cut the new branches just above the swollen base. Cutting into the knuckle opens the main trunk to rot and fungal infections.
- Frequency: If the aim is fruit production or ornamental, Diospyros mespiliformis should be pollarded every 3-5 years. And for animal feed, it ought to be pollarded every 2-4 years. Frequent pollarding can weaken the tree and reduce fruit yields significantly.
- Timing: Always pollard during the dormant season (late dry season/just before the rains begin). This allows the tree to use its stored energy to push out new growth immediately as the growing season starts.
References
Bein, E. and others (1996) Useful Trees and Shrubs in Eritrea: Identification, Propagation and Management for Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. Regional Soil Conservation Unit: Nairobi.
Bekele-Tesemma, Azene (2007) Useful Trees of Ethiopia: Identification, Propagation and Management in 17 Agroecological Zones. RELMA in ICRAF Project: Nairobi.
Ferret, Pierre Victor Adolphe et Galinier, Joseph Germain (1848) Voyage en Abyssinie dans les provinces du tigre, du samen et de L’amhara: Atlas. Paulin: Paris.
Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Diospyros mespiliformis. Retrieved from https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Diospyros%20mespiliformis
PlantZAfrica. Diospyros mespiliformis. Retrieved from https://pza.sanbi.org/diospyros-mespiliformis
Plants of the World Online. Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. Kew Science. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322702-1
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online. Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322702-1#:~:text=Angola%2C%20Benin%2C%20Botswana%2C%20Burkina,Sudan%2C%20Tanzania%2C%20Uganda%2C%20Yemen
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Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2025-09-30.