Greenwayodendron suaveolens
(Engl. & Diels) Verdc.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaGreenwayodendron suaveolens is a species of plant in the genus Greenwayodendron, and a member of the Annonaceae family.
Description
A tree. It grows 35-45 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is 25 m long before branches. It is 70-90 cm across. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are narrowly oval and 4-12 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They can be larger. The flowers are in groups of 8-12. They are often opposite the leaves. The fruit are made up of 10 follicles 1-2 cm long. They are purple to red. They have 1-2 seeds.
Edible Uses
The fruit are eaten.
Medicinal Uses
The Aka people of Central Africa smoke the leaves, locally called "motunga," recreationally, and also prepare it into a tea. This may have an antihelmintic effect.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in humid evergreen and deciduous forests. In Uganda it grows up to 1,100 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda,
Production
Plants flower in January and October and fruit in March, May, June, and October.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Agudughu, Amuje, Atorewa osharo, Betsua, Betungha, Botounga, Dyabe, Eleku, Ewai, Ikoko, Motinga, Motsungha, Mutunga, Mwamba-kumfu, Mwamba-pinda, Nchua, Okenren, Otua, Otunga, Tsenge
References (4)
- Billong Fils, P. E., et al, 2020, Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by Baka people in southeastern Cameroon. Journal or Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 16:64 p 9 (As Polyalthia suaveolens)
- Harris, D. J., 2002, The vascular plants of the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic. National Botanic Garden of Belgium, 2002. – 274 pages p 43
- Raponda-Walker, A & Sillans, R., 1961, Les Plantes Utiles du Gabon. Editions Paul Lechevalier, Paris. p 70 (As Polyalthia suaveolens)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
