Dalbergia saxatilis
Hook. f.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Carel Jongkind, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Carel Jongkind
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Carel Jongkind, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A tropical shrub in the Fabaceae family with edible leaves.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten.
Medicinal Uses
The plant is used as an anthelmintic and abortifacient, and also to treat leprosy.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, West Africa,
Cultivation
Species in this genus are mainly found in the wild growing in sany soils and on limestone escarpments. In cultivation they are likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun. There are conflicting reports on whether or not this tree has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, so it is unclear as to whether this tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
Propagation
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. Softwood cuttings of many species, especially if taken from younger plants, will root in a well-drained, sandy medium in a closed case with bottom heat.
Other Uses
The wood is occasionally used locally for hoe and axe handles.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Achigan-Dako, E, et al (Eds), 2009, Catalogue of Traditional Vegetables in Benin. International Foundation for Science.
- Chapman, J. D. & Chapman, H. M., 2001, The Forest Flora of Taraba and Andamawa States, Nigeria. WWF & University of Canterbury. p 185
- Dansi, A., et al, 2008, Traditional leafy vegetables and their use in the Benin Republic. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2008) 55:1239–1256
