Bersama abyssinica


Bersama abyssinica is a species of medium-sized evergreen tree in the family Francoaceae. The leaves are pinnately divided with a strongly winged rachis. The inflorescence is a spike.
This species is distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and includes two subspecies:
  • B. abyssinica Fresen. subsp. abyssinica Fresen.
  • B. abyssinica Fresen. subsp. rosea Mikkelsen
The subspecies rosea is endemic to Tanzania, where it is considered vulnerable.
Bersama abyssinica produces a hard, heavy wood that is used in the construction of houses in West Africa.