About
The Mulanje Cedar (Widdringtonia whytei) is a critically endangered conifer endemic to Mount Mulanje in southern Malawi. This striking tree, with its tall trunk and fragrant, durable wood, is the national tree of Malawi and holds deep ecological and cultural significance.
In the cool, tropical fog of Mount Mulanje, the Mulanje Cedar grows in montane forests and rocky outcrops at altitudes between 1,830 and 2,550 meters, where it once dominated fire-prone forest zones. Adapted to these specific conditions, the species relies on occasional, low-intensity fires to reduce competition. However, increasingly frequent and intense wildfires—driven by human activities—now pose a serious threat. Illegal logging, spurred by the high commercial value of its timber, has further devastated wild populations.
As a result, W. whytei is now perilously close to extinction in the wild. The species’ decline has not only impacted the local ecosystem but also reduced a vital source of income for surrounding communities. Its decline has led to increased soil erosion in the region, leaving local populations vulnerable to flash floods during the rainy season.
Conservation efforts to save Malawi’s national tree include reforestation programs, seedling propagation, and enhanced fire control measures. The species’ future depends on continued replanting initiatives, robust legal protections, and sustained community involvement.
- Order: Pinales
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Trend: decreasing
- Size: 40–50 m
EDGE Score
Distribution
Widdringtonia whytei, commonly known as the Mulanje Cedar, is endemic to Mount Mulanje in southern Malawi. Its distribution is confined to this massif, occurring at elevations between 1,830 and 2,550 meters. The species’ extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 600 km², with an area of occupancy around 845 hectares. It is known from a single location, making it highly susceptible to environmental changes and human activities.
Habitat and Ecology
The Mulanje Cedar inhabits montane forests and rocky outcrops within its limited range. It thrives on rocky, acidic, silicic soils under a cool tropical montane climate characterized by frequent fog. Historically, W. whytei was a co-dominant species in the Afromontane forests of Mount Mulanje, alongside species like Podocarpus milanjianus and Olea capensis.
This species is adapted to periodic low-intensity fires, which occur roughly every 100–200 years and play a key role in clearing competition and triggering seed-based regeneration. However, increasingly frequent and intense wildfires—driven largely by human activity—are disrupting this natural cycle, inhibiting regeneration and causing a decline in population numbers.
W. whytei plays a vital ecological role, providing habitat and food for a range of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects. Its presence contributes significantly to forest structure and biodiversity in the high-elevation ecosystems of Mount Mulanje.
