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Allanblackia parviflora

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Allanblackia parviflora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Clusiaceae
Genus: Allanblackia
Species:
A. parviflora
Binomial name
Allanblackia parviflora

Allanblackia parviflora is a medium-sized deciduous forest tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae.

Description

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The tree is capable of growing up to 30 m (100 ft) in height and with a diameter that can occasionally reach 80 cm (31 in). The trunk is cylindrical while the bark is reddish to brown and sometimes scaly; the crown is narrow with glossy large leaves.[1] Leaflets are elliptical in shape up to 25 cm (10 in) long and 9 cm (3.5 in) wide. Flowers are fragrant and are pink, reddish or creamy.[2] Fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, up to 50 cm (20 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide with brown warts.[2]

Distribution

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The species is native to Tropical West Africa and occurs from Guinea eastwards to Ghana.[2] It is commonly found along slopes in evergreen forests along the coast of West Africa but can also be found in moist semi-deciduous forests.

Chemistry

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Studies conducted on seed extracts of the plant indicate a high fatty oil yield, with oleic and stearic acids the dominant fatty acid contents of the seeds.[2]

Uses

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In Liberia its wood is used in carpentry work and in other parts of West Africa it is considered suitable as a shade tree in cocoa farms. In traditional medicine, stem bark extracts is used in pain management.[2]

Oil obtained from the seed is also used for cooking.

References

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  1. ^ Ofori, D. A.; Peprah, T.; Cobbinah, J. R.; Atchwerebour, H. A.; Osabutey, F.; Tchoundjeu, Z.; Simons, A. J.; Jamnadass, R. (2011). "Germination requirements of Allanblackia parviflora seeds and early growth of seedlings". New Forests. 41 (3): 337–348. Bibcode:2011NewFo..41..337O. doi:10.1007/s11056-011-9252-1. ISSN 0169-4286.
  2. ^ a b c d e Vossen, H. A. M. van der, ed. (2007). Vegetable oils. Plant resources of tropical Africa. Wageningen: PROTA. pp. 28–30. ISBN 978-90-5782-192-9.