Newtonia

Indigenous to Kenya, the Newtonia tree can reach heights of up to 40 meters with elegant, feathery leaves and smooth, light grey bark. Its bipinnate leaves resemble Acacia, boasting numerous tiny leaflets that emerge light green. Branchlets feature rust-brown hairs, adding to its distinctive appearance. Clusters of erect cream spikes bloom into brown-fading flowers, giving way to thin, straight brown pods that release unique red-brown seeds with a surrounding wing.

Newtonia buchananii is planted as a shade tree in coffee, tea and cocoa plantations; the crown gives a rather light shade. A fine tall and spreading riverine tree, grows up to 40m.  The bark is used as an aphrodisiac. Has medicinal uses. Other uses include, firewood, timber ideal for various applications including cabinet work and boat building, fodder, shade provision, ornamental purposes, mulch, and nitrogen-fixing. Notably, its brown to red-brown heartwood offers durability in water, making it a preferred choice for crafting canoes, particularly evident in Lake Victoria.