Berlinia grandiflora explained

Berlinia grandiflora is a small to medium sized tree found in the West and West Central African region along riparian habitats or gallery forests habitat types.[1]

Description

Berlinia grandiflora is a small to medium sized tree that ranges from 2–20 m tall but can grow up to 30 m.[2] Leaves are paripinnately compound arranged in 3–4 pairs of leaflets per pinnae, the petiole is 20-42 mm long and petiolules is 5–9 mm long; terminal leaflets are 7–22 cm long and 3.0–11.5 cm wide, the abaxial surface is glabrous to sparsely pubescent, leaf-blade is oblong to obovate in outline. Inflorescence is a branched panicle, it has scented green or white colored flowers, commonly with a single petal that is white and 3.5–6.5 cm long, the bracteoles tend to be between 23–32 mm long and 11–20 mm wide; has up to 10 stamens.[3] Fruit is a flattened brown pod.

Distribution

The species is found in Guinea eastwards to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Uses

Bark extracts are used as part of a purgative regimen in some communities of the Democratic republic of the Congo and leaves are part of a decoction to treat intestinal ailments. Wood is used in carpentry work.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Arbonnier, Michel. Trees, shrubs, and lianas of West African dry zones. 2004. CIRAD. 2-87614-579-0. Paris. 211. 56937881.
  2. Mackinder. B. A.. Harris. D. J.. 2006. A SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS BERLINIA (LEGUMINOSAE – CAESALPINIOIDEAE). Edinburgh Journal of Botany. en. 63. 2–3. 161–182. 10.1017/S0960428606000631. 0960-4286. free.
  3. Book: Timbers 2. 2012. PROTA Foundation. R.H.M.J. Lemmens, D. Louppe. 978-92-9081-495-5. Wageningen. 110. 808216267.
  4. Web site: Berlinia grandiflora – Useful Tropical Plants. 2021-10-01. tropical.theferns.info.