MULANJE CEDAR
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| Mulanje Ceder |
In Malawi we have various tree species, such as Cyprus,
Bamboo Gmelina, These trees are able to survive in various parts of Malawi
where they are grown. In Mulanje there is also the most useful tree called Cedar tree.
There are two main varieties of cedar tree and these are
Mulanje cedar and Widdringtonia noddfllora. The widdringtonia noddfllora can be
grown in different areas and it survives. This has been evidenced by Mr. Matabwa who said that he managed to plant
widdringtonia noddfllora in his woodlot.
The other specie of cedar tree is Mulanje cedar as already
indicated. Mulanje cedar is Malawi’s national tree. This is because it is
found in Mulanje Mountain only. It was declared to be Malawi’s national
tree in 1984 by the first president of the republic of Malawi the late Dr. Hastings
Kamuzu Banda. Its scientific name is widringtonia whytei.
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| Mulanje Mag |
Mulanje cedar has a lot of uses but but it is commonly used for constructions
and making curios, this is because it is resistant to termite attack and
exposes to water. Though it is important, when it has been affected with fire
it easily wilts and the most problem affecting this tree is that some bad
citizens are cutting them down illegally.
Mr. Geoffrey Juwao reported that ,’people have tried to
plant Mulanje Cedar but before reaching at a height of 3 meters it dies this is because the climate that is
found in Mulanje mountain differs from any other climate.
In his remarks, he said that, ‘as of know they have 13
nurseries of cedar trees which they want to increase the population of cedar
mainly at our beautiful scenery of Mulanje Mountain’.
Written by Marvel Chifunilo Kamoto
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