Garcinia alepensis
| Garcinia alepensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Clusiaceae |
| Genus: | Garcinia |
| Species: | G. alepensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Garcinia alepensis P.W.Sweeney | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Garcinia alepensis is a deciduous shrub or forest tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae.[2]
Description
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.[3] 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.[4] Fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, up to 50 cm (20 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide with brown warts.[4]
Distribution
The species is native to Tropical West Africa and occurs from Guinea eastwards to Ghana.[4] It is commonly found along slopes in evergreen rain forests along the coast of West Africa and can also be found in moist semi-deciduous forests.
Chemistry
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.[4]
Uses
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.[4]
Oil obtained from the seed is also used for cooking.
References
- ↑ "Garcinia alepensis P.W.Sweeney". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
- ↑ "Garcinia alepensis P.W.Sweeney". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 3 4 5 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.