MUKAU SEED / SEEDLINGS

Mukau is mostly propagated by seedlings. Known as Mukau in Kamba, the Mukau (Melia Volkensii) Tree is one of the most important trees in its native lands. It not only provides income to farmers but also plays a key role in food production. 

Apart from its quality timber, Mukau’s other benefits include offering medicine, fodder, fuel wood, bee forage, and manure. It is used for mulching and intercropping and it controls soil erosion. The tree is compatible with almost all crops and a mukau tree intercropping in eastern Kenya has been hugely successful.

Farmers say while the tree shade stops the sun scorching crops, the dew that falls from the leaves at night keeps the soil moist and the branches act as a buffer against wind storms making crops thrive. And when its leaves fall and rot, they add essential nutrients to the soil.

There are no serious pests or diseases known to attack this tree. Indeed, the only natural enemies when it is still young are goats, which damage it through browsing and trampling. For tree growers in the drylands, mukau takes eight to 8-10 years to be ready for harvesting. This period can be shortened in regions with higher annual rainfall. A seedling goes currently for 70kshs. Seedlings prove to be the best propagation method.