Mpingo - the Tree That Makes Music. The Mpingo tree in Tanzania has a jet-black heartwood so heavy that it sinks like a stone in water.
Because of its enormous strength and natural sheen, it is used by Africa's finest carvers for their intricate sculptures and to make musical instruments - particularly the clarinet and oboe.
But the Mpingo is under threat. The best trees have been cut down and the dry-season grass fires destroy new growth. As a result the Tanzanians whose livelihoods depend on supplying the precious wood, are facing ruin and poverty.
Producer Mike Gunton says: "It's time to work together - the local people, the foresters, the carvers, the clarinet and oboe-players, the politicians and the world's music lovers - to safeguard the tree's future. Without it we are all poorer."
David Attenborough narrates. Series editor Mike Salisbury
A Green Umbrella production for BBCtv • STEREO
* TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888