Cedrelopsis grevei is an endemic species of tree found in Madagascar. In Malagasy, it is called katafa or katrafay.
Description It grows in dry, subarid and subhumid bioclimates, on the West coast in the provinces of Toliara (Tuléar), Mahajanga and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) in altitudes from 0–900 m. It grows as bush-like tree with a diameter of 0.2 to 1.5 m, reaching a height of 2–9 m. Leaf size is 12–20 cm x 6–8 cm.Contribution à la Réalisation de la Pharmacopée malgache by M.N.M.Randovoson 2004, University of Antananarivo
Uses Its stem bark and leaves are used for the production of essential oil that is used in traditional medicine to relieve malaria, fever and muscular fatiguewww.uu.nl (.pdf, accessed 31.03.2012).
The wood of the katafa is resistant to rot and insects; it was used for the construction of royal tombs. Its wood is used for construction purposes.eoearth.org. Madagascar Woodland (accessed 31.03.2012)
Ecology
Cedrelopsis grevei is considered being of Least Concern (LC).Tropicos
Synonyms Katafa crassisepalum Costantin & Poiss.tropicos.org
References
Hist. Phys. Madagascar 34(4), atlas 2, t. 25,1893