Pycnocoma thonneri
Pax ex De Wild et Th.Dur.
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Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-5 m tall. The stems are 2-10 cm across. The branches are slender. The leaves are clustered at the ends of the small branches. The leaves can vary in shaped and taper at their base. They are 20-30 cm long by 10-15 cm wide. The fruit is 2 cm across and has 3 sections with wings. The seeds are round and brown and 8 mm across.
Edible Uses
The bark is eaten.
Traditional Uses
Caution: The root is a medicine that can cause abortions.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
A root extract is drunk as an abortifacient, purgative and anthelmintic. Root scrapings are eaten to cure stomach-ache and to kill internal parasites. The powdered root is applied as eye drops to stop convulsions in children. Root scrapings are applied as a dressing to counteract inflammation in the knee. The leaf sap is applied as eye drops to stop convulsions in children.
Known Hazards
The root is used medicinally but can cause abortions.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in rainforests between 350-500 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Central Africa, Congo DR, Congo R,
Synonyms
References (2)
- Ferns, Useful tropcial Plants
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 97
