Symphonia fasciculata
(Noronha ex Thouars) Vesque
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) David Rabehevitra, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by David Rabehevitra
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) David Rabehevitra, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
An evergreen tree. It grows 15-20 m tall. The fruit is oval and large and has 20-25 seeds.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The fruit pulp is edible and often fermented to make a distilled drink. The large, oval fruit can weigh 800 - 1,000g and contains 20 - 25 seeds.
Traditional Uses
The fruit pulp is eaten. It is also fermented to make a drink.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The exudate obtained by incision of the bark is used in traditional medicine as a fumigant to prevent a variety of diseases including smallpox, and it is applied externally to tumours, sores and scabies. The golden-yellow bark exudate quickly turns brown on exposure. It contains xanthones and is said to have anticancer activity.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 800 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Madagascar,
Other Uses
The exudate obtained by incision of the bark is used to caulk boats and to fix tool handles. Seed is collected for its oil, which is not edible, but used as hair and body oil and in pharmaceutical ointments. The seeds yield about 40% oil. The melting-point of the oil is 15 - 16°c. The oil contains about 65% unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid. It is suited for soap and candle production. Branches of several Symphonia species are used to make wreaths that are worn on the head during ceremonies and festivals.. The heartwood is buff-brown with shades of yellow or orange; it is distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. The grain is generally straight, texture moderately coarse to coarse; lustre medium with a mealy appearance, conspicuous lines and arches on the radial surface and mottling on the tangential surface. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, flexible, moderately durable under humid conditions or in contact with the ground, but it is not easily affected by salt water. Shrinkage during drying is considerable. The wood works easily; gluing, painting and varnishing properties are good; it has excellent steam-bending properties. A favourite wood for shipbuilding, it is also highly valued for furniture, cabinet making and joinery, and is also suitable for interior construction, flooring, boxes, crates and implements. The wood is used for fuel.
Notes
There are about 17-25 Symphonia species. Most are in Madagascar.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Ferns, Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 164
- Schatz, G.E., 2001, Generic Tree Flora of Madagascar. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. p 116 (Genus)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
