The government has launched efforts to restore Inkungu, a rare indigenous timber tree species that was once on the brink of extinction.

Known scientifically as Diospyros abyssinica, Inkungu is a native ebony tree found in Karushuga, Nyagatare District. It is among the indigenous species being restored under a national conservation programme in the Eastern Province.

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Globally prized for its exceptionally hard, dense, naturally jet-black wood, ebony is one of the world&039;s most valuable timber species. Its durability and distinctive colour make it highly sought after for flooring, heavy-duty furniture, interior finishes, construction poles, and mine supports.

Historically, the tree's bark and roots have also been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as malaria and dysentery.

The Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), through its COMBIO Project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), has for the first time identified and begun restoring the species in Nyagatare District.

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"This tree species, once on the brink of extinction in Rwanda and recognised for its exceptionally high timber value, has now been successfully propagated and multiplied within the newly established Community-Based Biodiversity Sanctuary," RFA said.

Only 12 trees remained

A team of scientists comprising Professor Elias Bizuru, Michael B. Thomas, Concorde Nsengumuremyi, and Gaspard Munyaneza studied the decline of the species.

Professor Elias Bizuru, a senior biodiversity scientist, botanist, and plant ecologist, said Inkungu stood out among more than 10 native tree species identified as being at risk of extinction because of its exceptional timber value.

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"We looked at what makes it unique. Inkungu has high timber value. Its wood is naturally black and does not require painting. It is heavy and strong and can even be used in multi-storey construction, reducing reliance on concrete and steel. We found that no more than 12 Inkungu trees remained in the country," he told The New Times.

Since then, restoration efforts have made significant progress.

"We initially raised about 5,000 seedlings. While some did not survive, we now have about 2,700 trees growing in Gahini (Kayonza District), Ryomba (Gatsibo District), Karushuga (Nyagatare District), and Murambi (Rwamagana District)," Bizuru said.

He noted that Inkungu thrives in warm areas near rivers and lakes.

"It is easier to collect seeds in August, but we need more. The species grows slowly and cannot be harvested for timber until it is at least 30 years old," he said.

Inkungu can grow between 20 and 30 metres tall under favourable conditions, with trunk diameters ranging from 50 to 100 centimetres and a broad, dense canopy.

Bizuru said a 100-square-metre forest in Kagitumba, near the Akagera River, still contains Inkungu trees and has been earmarked for protection by Nyagatare District.

He added that additional seeds could also be sourced from neighbouring Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Biodiversity sanctuary supports restoration

A community-based biodiversity sanctuary has been established to restore degraded landscapes in the Eastern Province while conserving indigenous plant species through local participation.

Covering between 15 and 20 hectares, the sanctuary is dedicated to the production, planting, and conservation of native trees.

It includes nurseries, botanical gardens, a medicinal plant garden, an essential oils garden, fruit orchards, native shrub seed stands, and other conservation areas managed by local cooperatives.

"It is home to 104 native tree species, including Inkungu," Bizuru said.

The restoration initiative complements Rwanda&039;s broader afforestation programme.

More than 68 million trees were planted during the 2025/26 tree planting season, exceeding the national target of 60 million by about 14 per cent, according to RFA.

The campaign focused not only on increasing tree cover but also on restoring indigenous species that support biodiversity and reduce land degradation.

RFA Director General Concorde Nsengumuremyi said the initiative has helped rescue several native species facing extinction, including Inkungu, Umwumba, and Umunege.

"We found that only 12 Umunege trees remained in the Eastern Province. Since then, we have raised seedlings and planted about 5,000 trees to restore the species," he said.

The Eastern Province recorded the highest number of trees planted during the season, with 26.8 million, followed by the Southern Province (19.2 million), Western Province (16.2 million), Northern Province (5.1 million), and the City of Kigali (nearly 858,000).

Overall, Rwanda has identified 17 indigenous tree species that are at risk of extinction and are now the focus of targeted restoration efforts.