Anthocleista grandiflora
| Forest fever tree | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
| Genus: | Anthocleista |
| Species: | A. grandiflora |
| Binomial name | |
| Anthocleista grandiflora | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Anthocleista grandiflora is a species of flowering plant of the family Gentianaceae. Commonly referred to as the forest fever tree. It is a tall, slender tree up to 30 m with a preference for forests in high rainfall areas. The leaves are very large, up to 100 cm x 50 cm, arranged in terminal clusters.
Range and habitat
It is native to the mountains and escarpments of eastern Africa, from Uganda and Kenya in the north to South Africa and Eswatini in the south. In Zimbabwe it is limited to the Eastern Highlands and in South Africa it occurs mostly along rivers in and below the escarpment, and less often in lowveld riparian fringes. It is the only member of the Gentianaceae that reaches tree size in South Africa.[3]
Uses
Anthocleista grandiflora is harvested locally for its wood, leaves, and bark to be used as timber, firewood, and medicine. It is also planted as an ornamental tree.[1][4][5]
The soft wood is suitable for making veneer, plywood, hardboard, particle board and pulpwood.[4]
In English it is commonly known as forest fever tree, forest big-leaf, or cabbage tree. Common names in other languages include:[4][5][6]
References
- 1 2 IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group & Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) (2026). "Anthocleista grandiflora". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2026 e.T207931228A208347221. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ Schmidt, Ernst; Lötter, Mervyn; McCleland, Warren (2002). Burrows, John (ed.). Trees and Shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park. Illustrated by Sandie Burrows. Johannesburg: Jacana Media. p. 546. ISBN 9781919777306.
- 1 2 3 Schmelzer, G.H. (2012). Louppe, D.; Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (eds.). "Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg". PROTA4U. Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- 1 2 Dharani, Najma (2019). Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa (3rd ed.). Cape Town: Struik Nature. p. 47. ISBN 9781775846086. OCLC 1107862638.
- ↑ Foden, W.; Potter, L. (2005). "Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg. National Assessment". Red List of South African Plants. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Archived from the original on 21 May 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
Further reading
- Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). "Anthocleista grandiflora". African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.