Silver Oak Tree (Brachylaena huillensis) – Uses, Price & Disadvantages
- BeyondForest
- Dec 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
By the end of this section you will have learnt
1.)About Silver Oak Tree
2.)Silver Oak Tree Uses
4.)Silver Oak Tree Advantages
6.)FAQ About Silver Oak
Brachylaena huillensis is one of the most durable hardwoods in East Africa, often lasting over 50–80 years in construction.
Image of Silver Oak Tree by Silver Oak Mazingira Hub
Brachylaena huillensis, commonly known in Kenya as Muhugu or Silver Oak, is one of East Africa’s most valuable indigenous hardwood species. It grows naturally in coastal forests, the Eastern Arc, and Kenyan highland zones, thriving in well-drained soils and moderate rainfall.
The tree’s wood is aromatic, producing a natural fragrance that perfumers extract into essential oil.
Brachylaena huillensis tree produces male and female flowers on separate plants (dioecious).
Brachylaena huillensis (Silver Oak) tree is slow-growing but produces exceptionally dense, heavy, and durable timber that is highly resistant to decay, moisture, and termites. This makes it ideal for premium furniture, flooring, carvings, tool handles, and structural applications where strength and longevity are essential.
Silver Oak was historically used for high-end carvings, ranking second only to African Blackwood.
Muhugu is easily recognized by its dark, fine-grained wood, aromatic scent, and evergreen foliage. Beyond timber, the tree is culturally significant and ecologically important: its deep root system reduces soil erosion, while its canopy supports biodiversity in forest ecosystems.
The tree grows best when surrounded by other trees, mimicking its natural forest environment.
The wood’s aromatic compounds are also distilled into essential oils used in perfumery, soaps, and natural fragrances. Due to historical overexploitation, Brachylaena huillensis is now listed as a threatened species, encouraging sustainable harvesting and replanting efforts across Kenya.
Farmers say the wood is so dense that a single log can sink in water — a sign of very high density.
Silver Oak Tree /Brachylaena huillensis Uses
Because of overharvesting, many communities now grow it under conservation and restoration programs.
Bee forage – male flowers provide pollen for honey bees.
Soil stabilization – deep roots help prevent erosion on slopes.
Agroforestry – planted with other trees to improve biodiversity and canopy cover.
Cultural uses – used in ceremonial carvings and traditional artifacts.
A single kilogram of Muhugu seeds contains 330,000–500,000 tiny seeds, making manual collection very challenging.
Image of a Silver Oak Tree (Brachylaena huillensis)
Premium wood carving – ranked 2nd globally after African Blackwood for high-end carvings.
Furniture making – used for chairs, tables, cabinets, and luxury interior finishes.
Flooring & parquet – its dense, fine-grained timber makes durable flooring.
The tree’s smooth, greyish bark makes it easy to identify even when young.
Construction timber – beams, posts, rafters, and structural applications.
Tool handles – strong, termite-resistant wood ideal for axes, hoes, and hammers.
Sculptures & art pieces – widely used by Kamba and coastal artisans.
Traditional healers used its bark decoctions to treat skin diseases, rheumatism, and digestive issues.
High-quality firewood & charcoal – burns slowly with high heat output (traditional use).
Essential oil production – aromatic wood distilled into perfumery oils.
Sandalwood substitute – muhugu essential oil replaces sandalwood in natural perfumery.
Medicinal uses –
Roots used to treat schistosomiasis
Leaves used traditionally for diabetes management
Seeds lose viability quickly, which is why fresh seed is critical for successful germination.
Muhugu wood is naturally resistant to termites, rot, and moisture, requiring no chemical treatment.
Silver Oak Tree Price in Kenya
The essential oil extracted from its wood is used as a sandalwood substitute in high-end perfumery.
Silver Oak (Brachylaena huillensis) seedlings in Kenya typically cost KSh 250–400 depending on size and nursery quality. Shops like Shop Nanjala list well-established Muhugu seedlings within this price range, especially for conservation-grade plants. Larger, older seedlings may cost slightly more due to slow growth rates.
Silver Oak Tree wood was historically used to make traditional pestles and mortars in Kenyan homes.
Silver Oak tree thrives at elevations of 1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level.
Mature Muhugu trees can reach 20–30 meters in naturally protected forests.
Its wood has a fine, interlocked grain, giving it a smooth polished finish.
Silver Oak Tree Advantages
Silver Oak has exceptionally durable, termite-resistant timber that makes it ideal for premium furniture, carvings, and structural work. It supports biodiversity, provides pollen for bees, stabilizes soil with its deep roots, and thrives in mixed agroforestry systems. Its aromatic wood also yields valuable essential oil used in natural perfumery.
The tree is part of the Asteraceae family, the same family as sunflowers and daisies—rare for a hardwood tree.
Silver Oak Tree Disadvantages
Silver Oak grows slowly, making its timber supply limited and expensive. Its seeds are difficult to collect, have poor storage life, and show very low germination rates. The species performs poorly when planted alone in open areas and is now classified as Near Threatened, requiring careful conservation and restricted harvesting.
Silver Oak tree has been heavily logged for decades, causing localized population decline.
In many Kikuyu communities, Muhugu wood was used for special household tools and ceremonial items due to its strength.
What is Silver Oak in Kenya?
In Kenya, Silver Oak refers to Brachylaena huillensis, an indigenous hardwood tree commonly known as Muhugu or Mkarambati. It is valued for its strong, durable timber and aromatic essential oil.
Is Silver Oak the same as Grevillea robusta?
No. In Kenya, Silver Oak (Muhugu) is Brachylaena huillensis, while Grevillea robusta is known as Silky Oak. They are completely different species.
What is Silver Oak used for?
Its wood is used for carvings, furniture, flooring, tool handles, and construction. It also produces essential oil used in perfumery and traditional medicine.
Is Silver Oak endangered?
Silver Oak is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to historical overharvesting and habitat loss.
It has a medium to slow growth rate, taking several years to mature because it produces very dense hardwood.
Where does Silver Oak grow best?
It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils, partial sunlight, and mixed tree stands. It grows poorly in exposed open fields.
The species is highly valued in craft markets in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
What is the price of Silver Oak seedlings in Kenya?
Most nurseries—including Shop Nanjala—sell Silver Oak seedlings for KSh 250–400, depending on size and quality.
Yes. Its roots treat schistosomiasis, leaves help manage diabetes, and its wood oil is used in natural perfumery and as a sandalwood substitute.
Its timber was once exported to Europe for luxury furniture manufacturing.
Why is it hard to propagate Silver Oak?
Seeds have low germination rates (2–10%), store poorly, and are easily blown away by wind. Fresh seed is required for success.
Its evergreen leaves are tough and leathery, helping reduce water loss.
Is Silver Oak good for agroforestry?
Yes. It grows well alongside other trees, supports bees with pollen, improves biodiversity, and stabilizes soil—making it ideal for ecological restoration.
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