Summary: Intsia bijuga (ifil) is a plant in the Fabaceae family. Verdica documents 0 traditional uses, 0 phytochemical compounds, and 0 herb-drug interactions for this species.
Other common names include Kwila, Johnston River Teak, Ipil, Merbau, and Scrub Mahogany. Intsia bijuga or commonly known as Moluccan Ironwood is a medium-sized flowering tree that can be found on sand and coral beaches and dry mangroves in East Africa and East Asia. It grows up to 50 m tall with a buttressed trunk and spreading crown. The leaves are shiny green and the flowers are fragrant. The bark is used in the treatment of urinary conditions, rheumatism, dysentery and diarrhoea. The seeds are edible when boiled after being soaked in water for 3-4 days. The tree has an extensive root system making it an ideal species for soil conservation and reclamation. It is also used as a windbreak as it is highly tolerant to strong winds. The wood and bark yields brown dye. The bark is a source of tannins. The seed oil has the capability to repel insects and is used to protect stored products. The wood is heavy, hard to very hard, strong, durable, and resistant to attacks of insects, fungi, and wood borers. It is used for bridge-making, railway sleepers, boat building, house post beams, and furniture.
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate — drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained; nitrogen-fixing — minimal fertilizer needed |
| Hardiness Zone | Varies widely (USDA 2-11) |
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