Brachylaena huillensis, commonly known as muhuhu, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to the montane and coastal forests of Eastern and Southern Africa, including Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. This evergreen tree can reach up to 131 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter, making it one of the tallest members of the Asteraceae family. Muhuhu is characterized by its dense, rounded crown, small, silvery-green leaves, and inconspicuous creamy-white flowers that bloom in the warmer months. The tree’s wood is extremely hard and durable, making it ideal for charcoal production and heavy construction.

Muhuhu is valued for its hard wood, which is used for charcoal and timber, and its essential oil, which is used in perfumery and traditional medicine. It is suitable for reforestation projects and as a windbreak in agricultural landscapes. In cultivation, muhuhu prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It requires full sun to light shade. However, the species is threatened by overexploitation for its wood, and its conservation is crucial to protect the unique ecosystems it supports, including endemic animal species.CC BY-SA 4.0