The Mulundu tree

This magnificent tree grows in the compound of the Rondo Retreat in Kakamega Rainforest.

Our guide, Job Ilondanga, told us that the tree is considered sacred by people in this area and is often found near burial sites. This belief has contributed to the conservation of the Mulundu Tree and the vegetation around it, as people are not allowed to collect firewood from the tree (even dead wood). It is said that if you bring wood from this tree to the house you will have bad dreams and misfortune will befall you.

It may not be a coincidence that the Luhya name for a traditional priest is ‘mukulundu’.

Mulundu is a typical forest tree with smooth pale bark.  Like all trees in the Fig Family, it produces latex.  The latex of this tree is toxic (hence its scientific name ‘toxicaria’) and was historically used as poison on arrows and darts.  In contrast, the fruit is edible.  Monkeys, birds and monkeys love it.  We would too, but it’s usually too high up for us to reach.

Mulundu fruit

The leaves are oval with a blunt tip.