Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium

NAME: Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium

FAMILY: Compositae

COMMON NAMES: Pyrethrum, Pyrethrum daisy, Dalmatian pyrethrum, Dalmatian chrysanthemum

LOCAL NAMES: Dalmatian chrysanthemum

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Pyrethrum is a perennial plant with blue-green leaves and grow to 45 to 100 cm (18 to 39 in) in height. It has a white petaled daisy-like flowers with yellow centers.

USEFUL PART(s): flower heads, seed

GENERAL USES:

• Food

• Ornamental plant

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

China, Japan, Korea, America, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ecuador

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Fever

•   Wounds

• general debility

•   Insecticide.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution

• Pyrethrins are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds compare to other insecticides

FUN FACT

• Pyrethrins gotten from the flowers are among safest insecticides for use around food.

• Insecticides from Pyrethrum are Biodegradable

FURTHER READINGS

Jones GDG (1973) Pyrethrum production. In: Casida JE (ed) Pyrethrum, the natural insecticide. Academic Press, New York, pp 17–22.

Karki A, Rajbhandary SB (1984) Clonal propagation of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium Vis. (pyrethrum) through tissue culture. Pyrethrum Post 15(4): 118–121.

Roest S, Bokelmann GS (1973) Vegetative propagation of Chrysantheum cinerariaefolium in vitro. Sci Hortic 1:120–122.

Cassada JE (ed) (1973) Pyrethrum — the natural insecticide. Academic Press, London New York.

Chrysanthellum indicum

zambiaflora.com

NAME: Chrysanthellum indicum

FAMILY: Compositae

COMMON NAMES: Indian crysanthemum

LOCAL NAMES: Abilere, Oyigi, fura kuna, Dawodu

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Chrysanthellum indicum is a faintly aromatic, erect, hairless annual herb, growing up to 30 cm tall with yellow or orange-yellow ray florets.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, flower, seed

GENERAL USES:

• Flowers can be used in beverages and the flower heads are pickled in vinegar

• The leaves are mixed with henna for tinting the nails

• Young leaves can also be used in preparing an aromatic tea

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

 Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Boils

• Fever

• Heart-trouble

• Gonorrhea

• Jaundice

• Insecticide

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The plant is a weed in its native regions.

FUN FACT

Indian crysanthemum is a plant to blossom from August to October.

FURTHER READINGS

Amos, S., Binda, L., Adamu, M., Vongtau, H. O., Abbah, J., Omogbai, E. K. I., Akah, P. A., Bukar, B. B., Wambebe, C., & Gamaniel, K. (2003). Effect of the aqueous extract of Chrysanthellum indicum on calcium mobilization and activation of rat portal vein. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(03)00155-7

Bährle-Rapp, M., & Bährle-Rapp, M. (2007). Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract. In Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-71095-0_1946

Jimam, N. S., Banwat, S. B., Dafam, D. G., & Tochukwu, E. (2013). Nutritional and antinutritional analysis of Chrysanthellum indicum leaves. The Journal of Phytopharmacology.

Chromolaena odorata

India Biodiversity Portal

NAME: Chromolaena odorata       

FAMILY: Compositae (Asteraceae)

COMMON NAMES: Siam weed, Christmas bush, devil weed, triffid weed.

LOCAL NAMES: Akintola ,Awolowo,Obiarakara

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Chromolaena odorata is an erect or sprawling shrub, perennial plant with more or less woody stems.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves,stem-twigs 

GENERAL USES:

• Used as a green manure

• Used for embalming dead bodies

• The leaves can be used occasionally as an aromatic addition to soups

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

South-eastern USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Tropical South America

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Antimicrobial

• Dysentery

• Headache

• Malaria fever

• Toothache

• Haemostatic

• Skin diseases

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Can serve as an ornamental plant

Plant is toxic to livestock like fish when used as a green manure.

It is regarded as an environmental weed.

FUN FACT

The leaves give off a pungent, aromatic odor when crushed.

FURTHER READINGS

Chakraborty, A. K., Rambhade, S., & Patil, U. (2011). Chromolaena odorata ( L .) : An Overview. Journal of Pharmacy Research.

Kriticos, D. J., Yonow, T., & McFadyen, R. E. (2005). The potential distribution of Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) in relation to climate. Weed Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3180.2005.00458.x

Kusuma, I. W., Murdiyanto, Arung, E. T., Syafrizal, & Kim, Y. (2014). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of medicinal plants used by the Bentian tribe from Indonesia. Food Science and Human Wellness. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2014.12.004

Onkaramurthy, M., Veerapur, V. P., Thippeswamy, B. S., Madhusudana Reddy, T. N., Rayappa, H., & Badami, S. (2013). Anti-diabetic and anti-cataract effects of Chromolaena odorata Linn.; In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.023

Vaisakh, M. N., & Pandey, A. (2012). The invasive weed with healing properties: A review on chromolaena odorata. In International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Chenopodium ambrosioides

Mother Earth Living

NAME: Chenopodium ambrosioides       

FAMILY: Chenopodiaceae

COMMON NAMES: Wormwood, Mexican-tea

LOCAL NAMES: Ewe-imi, asin, arunpale

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Chenopodium ambrosioides is an erect annual herb, growing  up to 100 - 150 cm tall and is very branched.

USEFUL PART(s): Whole plant, leaves.

GENERAL USES:

• It is used to ward off gases in bean dishes.

• It's extract is used commercially as a fragrance component in lotions and perfumes

• It used also as a condiment in soups.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

North America, Southern Mexico, Eastern Canada

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Anthelmintics

• Emollient

• Rheumatism

• Tumour.

• Ulcers

• Eczema

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Overdoses of its  essential oils results to death.

FUN FACT

The plant occurs locally abundantly along roadsides and in waste places.

FURTHER READINGS

Bammou, L., Belkhaouda, M., Salghi, R., Benali, O., Zarrouk, A., Zarrok, H., & Hammouti, B. (2014). Corrosion inhibition of steel in sulfuric acidic solution by the Chenopodium Ambrosioides extracts. In Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Basic and Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaubas.2013.11.001

Barros, L., Pereira, E., Calhelha, R. C., Dueñas, M., Carvalho, A. M., Santos-Buelga, C., & Ferreira, I. C. F. R. (2013). Bioactivity and chemical characterization in hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Journal of Functional Foods. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2013.07.019

Cysne, D. N., Fortes, T. S., Reis, A. S., de Paulo Ribeiro, B., dos Santos Ferreira, A., do Amaral, F. M. M., Guerra, R. N. M., Marinho, C. R. F., Nicolete, R., & Nascimento, F. R. F. (2016). Antimalarial potential of leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Parasitology Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5216-x

Da Silva, M. G. C., Amorim, R. N. L., Câmara, C. C., Fontenele Neto, J. D., & Soto-Blanco, B. (2014). Acute and sub-chronic toxicity of aqueous extracts of chenopodium ambrosioides leaves in rats. Journal of Medicinal Food. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0134

Jaramillo C, B. E., Duarte R, E., & Delgado, W. (2012). Bioactividad del aceite esencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides Colombiano. Revista Cubana de Plantas Medicinales.

Limaverde, P. W., Campina, F. F., da Cunha, F. A. B., Crispim, F. D., Figueredo, F. G., Lima, L. F., Datiane de M. Oliveira-Tintino, C., de Matos, Y. M. L. S., Morais-Braga, M. F. B., Menezes, I. R. A., Balbino, V. Q., Coutinho, H. D. M., Siqueira-Júnior, J. P., Almeida, J. R. G. S., & Tintino, S. R. (2017). Inhibition of the TetK efflux-pump by the essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. and α-terpinene against Staphylococcus aureus IS-58. Food and Chemical Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.02.031

Chasmanthera dependens

West African Plants

NAME: Chasmanthera dependens      

FAMILY: Menispermaceae

COMMON NAMES: Chasmanthera

LOCAL NAMES: Ato-oloriraun

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Chasmanthera dependens is a climbing shrub producing stems 5 metres or more long.

USEFUL PART(s): Roots              

GENERAL USES:

• The fibrous stem is beaten and used as a sponge.

• The roots and leaves are eaten.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Sierra Leone east, Somalia, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana.

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Diuretics

• Antigonococcal

• For management of fractures.

• Pain-killers

• Arthritis

• Rheumatism

• Malaria

• Dementia

• Snakebites

• Epilepsy

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

None known

FUN FACT

It is often planted in home gardens and is sold in local markets.

FURTHER READINGS

Aina, D. A., Owolo, O., Lateef, A., Aina, F. O., & Hakeem, A. S. (2019). Biomedical applications of chasmanthera dependens stem extract mediated silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, and larvicidal agents. Karbala International Journal of Modern Science. https://doi.org/10.33640/2405-609X.1018

Githinji, E. K., Irungu, L. W., Tonui, W. K., Rukunga, G. M., Mutai, C., Muthaura, C. N., Lugalia, R., Gikandi, G., Wainaina, C. W., Ingonga, J. M., & Wanjoya, A. (2010). In vitro effects of Warburgia ugandensis, Psiadia punctulata and Chasmanthera dependens on Leishmania major promastigotes. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.

Iloh, A. C., Schmidt, M., Muellner-Riehl, A. N., Ogundipe, O. T., & Paule, J. (2017). Pleistocene refugia and genetic diversity patterns in West Africa: Insights from the liana Chasmanthera dependens (Menispermaceae). PLoS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0170511

Tijani, S. A., Olaleye, S. B., & Farombi, E. O. (2018). Anti-ulcerogenic effect of the methanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens (Hochst) stem on male Wistar rats. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0152

Centrosema pubescens

Wikimedia Commons

NAME: Centrosema pubescens    

FAMILY: Leguminosae

COMMON NAMES: Fodder pea, butterfly pea

LOCAL NAMES: Ewa-ahun

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Centrosema pubescens is a herbaceous, climbing, perennial herb with its vigorous stems scrambling over the ground or twining into other plants for support.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves

GENERAL USES:

• The plant is grown as a green manure

• It is widely used as a plantation cover and pasture legume

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

South America and Central America

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Skin diseases

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

It is drought resistance

FUN FACT

Plants are shade tolerant.

FURTHER READINGS

Borges, H. B. N. (2006). Biologia reprodutiva de Centrosema pubescens Benth: (Fabaceae). Boletim Do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi Ciências Naturais. https://doi.org/10.5123/s1981-81142006000100003

Samedani, B., Juraimi, A. S., Abdullah, S. A. S., Rafii, M. Y., Rahim, A. A., & Anwar, M. P. (2014). Effect of cover crops on weed community and oil palm yield. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology.

Samedani, B., Juraimi, A. S., Rafii, M. Y., Sheikh Awadz, S. A., Anwar, M. P., & Anuar, A. R. (2015). Effect of cover crops on weed suppression in oil palm plantation. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology.

Udom, B. E., & Omovbude, S. (2019). Soil physical properties and carbon/nitrogen relationships in stable aggregates under legume and grass fallow. Acta Ecologica Sinica. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chnaes.2018.05.008

Ukanwoko, A. I., & Igwe, N. C. (2012). Proximate Composition of Some Grass and Legume Silages Prepared in a Humid Tropical Environment. International Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Science.

Celtis mildbraedii

Wikipedia

NAME: Celtis mildbraedii       

FAMILY: Ulmaceae

COMMON NAMES: African Celtis, African hackberry,beaverwood,obia,nettle tree

LOCAL NAMES: Ita-gidi, uta, ewon-agogo,Aziza

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Celtis mildbraedii is a deciduous, spineless, medium-sized to large tree that has its leaves arranged alternatively in 2 opposite vertical rows.

USEFUL PART(s):  Root

GENERAL USES:

• It is used for poles in house building and for pestles, tool handles and spoons

• The wood is used for light construction, furniture and ladders.

• It can serve as firewood.

• The tree is used for timber.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Sudan, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Angola.

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Arthritis

• Fever

• Dysmenorrhoea.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The sawdust can be irritant

FUN FACT

The heartwood is white to pale yellow or greenish, darkening upon exposure to greyish white.

FURTHER READINGS

Bauwens, S., Fayolle, A., Gourlet-Fleury, S., Ndjele, L. M., Mengal, C., & Lejeune, P. (2017). Terrestrial photogrammetry: a non-destructive method for modelling irregularly shaped tropical tree trunks. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12670

Boadi, S., Nsor, C. A., Yakubu, D. H., Acquah, E., & Antobre, O. O. (2017). Conventional and Indigenous Biodiversity Conservation Approach: A Comparative Study of Jachie Sacred Grove and Nkrabea Forest Reserve. International Journal of Forestry Research. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1721024

Mwavu, E. N., & Witkowski, E. T. F. (2015). Woody Species Alpha-diversity and Species Abundance Distributions in an African Semi-deciduous Tropical Rain Forest. Biotropica. https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12223

(2013). Physical and Mechanical Properties of Selected Wood Species in Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem, Ondo State, Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science. https://doi.org/10.9790/2380-0532933

Celosia trigyna

JIRCAS

NAME: Celosia trigyna      

FAMILY: Amaranthaceae

COMMON NAMES: Celosia, woolflower

LOCAL NAMES: Ajefowo, ajitan

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Celosia trigyna is an erect annual plant that is widespread as a weed with its stem branched or unbranched

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves

GENERAL USES:

• Young shoots are eaten as a vegetable

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, southern Arabia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Anthelmintics

• Diuretic

• Astringent

• Chest pains

• Emmolient

• Diarrhoea

• Sore

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

None known

FUN FACT

It's leaves are slightly bitter

FURTHER READINGS

Oduntan, A. O., Fasoyiro, S. B., Akinfasoye, J. A., Adeboyejo, F. O., & Akintoye, H. A. (2018). Antioxidant and proximate properties of underutilized vegetables in western Nigeria. Acta Horticulturae. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1225.35

Ofusori, A. E., Moodley, R., & Jonnalagadda, S. B. (2019). Antiulcerogenic effects of Celosia trigyna plant extracts on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in adult Wistar rats. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2019.11.004

Touré, A., Rodenburg, J., Saito, K., Oikeh, S., Futakuchi, K., Gumedzoe, D., & Huat, J. (2011). Cultivar and Weeding Effects on Weeds and Rice Yields in a Degraded Upland Environment of the Coastal Savanna. Weed Technology. https://doi.org/10.1614/wt-d-10-00172.1

Celosia argentea

A to Z Flowers

NAME: Celosia argentea         

FAMILY: Amaranthaceae

COMMON NAMES: Cockscomb

LOCAL NAMES: Soko-yokoto, Erimonu, Fara -alayatu

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Celosia argentea is a herbaceous plant of tropical origin, and is a tender annual plant that is often grown in gardens.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, seeds                      

GENERAL USES:

• Leaves are cooked as vegetables.

• It is used in making soaps.

• Oil extracted from seeds are used for cooking.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

India, China, New Guinea, western tropical Africa.

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Skin diseases

• Diarrhoea

• Antiscorbutic

• Anthelmintic

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Can serve as an ornamental plant.

FUN FACT

The flavour very mild and spinach-like with no hint of bitterness.

FURTHER READINGS

Bakar, D. A., Ahmed, B. A., & Taha, R. M. (2014). In vitro callus induction and plant regeneration of Celosia argentea- an important medicinal plant. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-8913201402611

Madhupriya, Yadav, A., Thorat, V., & Rao, G. P. (2017). Molecular detection of 16SrI-B and 16SrII-D subgroups of phytoplasma associated with flat stem and witches’ broom disease of Celosia argentea L. 3 Biotech. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-017-0962-8

Saritha, P., & Sreeramulu,  a. (2013). Allelopathic effects of celosia argentea L. root extracts on crop plant seed germination. International Journal of Life Sciences Biotechnology and Pharma Research.

Tang, Y., Xin, H. L., & Guo, M. L. (2016). Review on research of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Celosia argentea. In Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2016.06.001

Celastrus senegalensis

Kyffhäuser

NAME: Celastrus senegalensis       

FAMILY: Celastraceae

COMMON NAMES: Bittersweet

LOCAL NAMES: Isepolohun

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Celastrus senegalensis is a deciduous shrub growing up to 8 metres tall with a bole that is usually around 25 cm in diameter.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, stem root 

GENERAL USES:

• Leaves are added to soup

• Broths are used as a flavoring

• Fruit can also be used for culturing yeast

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Algeria, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Saudi Arabia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Dysentery

• Oedemas

• Gonorrhoea

• Cancer

• Gastrointestinal troubles

• Vermifuge

• Mouth wash

• Laxative

• Aphrodisiac

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

A leaf-infusion does intoxicate fish.

Used as a pioneer species when restoring woodland in drier areas.

FUN FACT

The root is slightly bitter in taste and has a mild laxative action

FURTHER READINGS

Perveen, A., & Qaiser, M. (2008). Pollen Flora of Pakistan-lviii. Celastraceae. Pakistan Journal of Botany.

Celastrus paniculatus

Wikipedia

NAME: Celastrus paniculatus       

FAMILY: Celastraceae

COMMON NAMES:  Staff tree, intellect tree

LOCAL NAMES: Mawo Olule

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Celastrus paniculatus is a deciduous, climbing shrub producing stems up to 10 metres long and 25cm in diameter, with its twine helping to support themselves by means of hooked prickles.

USEFUL PART(s): Bark,roots            

GENERAL USES:

• Young flowers are cooked and used as a vegetable.

• Oil from seed is used as an an illuminant in lamps and also for soap making.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

East Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Antimalarial

• Antipyretic

• Tuberculosis

• Dysentery

• Abortion

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

None known

FUN FACT

Fruits are used as blood tonic.

FURTHER READINGS

Bhanumathy, M., Harish, M. S., Shivaprasad, H. N., & Sushma, G. (2010). Nootropic activity of Celastrus paniculatus seed. Pharmaceutical Biology. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880200903127391

Borrelli, F., Borbone, N., Capasso, R., Montesano, D., De Marino, S., Aviello, G., Aprea, G., Masone, S., & Izzo, A. A. (2009). Potent relaxant effect of a Celastrus paniculatus extract in the rat and human ileum. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.02.003

Nalini, K., Karanth, K. S., Rao, A., & Aroor, A. R. (1995). Effects of Celastrus paniculatus on passive avoidance performance and biogenic amine turnover in albino rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(95)01264-E

Phulwaria, M., Rai, M. K., Patel, A. K., Kataria, V., & Shekhawat, N. S. (2013). A genetically stable rooting protocol for propagating a threatened medicinal plant - Celastrus paniculatus. AoB PLANTS. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/pls054

Valecha, R., & Dhingra, D. (2016). Behavioral and biochemical evidences for antidepressant-like activity of celastrus paniculatus seed oil in mice. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience.

Celastrus indica

Wikimedia

NAME: Celastrus indica      

FAMILY: Celastraceae

COMMON NAMES: Bittersweet

LOCAL NAMES:  Ponju-owiwi

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Celastrus indica is a deciduous, climbing shrub with a simple ovoid leaves and typically 5–20 cm long. The flowers are small, white, pink or greenish, and borne in long panicles; the fruit is a three-valved berry.

USEFUL PART(s):  Roots,leaves,twigs

GENERAL USES:                              

• Young flowers are cooked and used as a vegetable

• The wood, oil extracted from seed and roots are used for medicinal purposes.

• The seeds are used in making soap and as illuminants for lamps.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

East Asia, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Antimicrobial

• Anthelmintics

• Asthma

• Malaria  

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

None Known

FUN FACT

Plants climb by means of twining and by hooked prickles.

FURTHER READINGS

Panda, S. K., Mohanta, Y. K., Padhi, L., Park, Y. H., Mohanta, T. K., & Bae, H. (2016). Large scale screening of ethnomedicinal plants for identification of potential antibacterial compounds. Molecules. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030293

Sharma, S., & Thokchom, R. (2014). A review on endangered medicinal plants of India and their conservation. Journal of Crop and Weed.

Thi Thanh Duyen, B., Manh Hung, V., & Thanh Tung, B. (2020). Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Effects of Celastrus hindsii Benth. Leaf Extract. VNU Journal of Science: Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.25073/2588-1132/vnumps.4203

Ceiba pentandra

prota4u.org

NAME: Ceiba pentandra       

FAMILY: Bombacaceae

COMMON NAMES:   White silk cotton tree,kapok,fuma

LOCAL NAMES:   Araba,egungun,Rimii,Akpu

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Ceiba pentandra is a deciduous, tall tree,  growing to 50 m (164ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate

USEFUL PART(s): Flowers, leaves, bark,exudate.

GENERAL USES:

• Tender leaves are eaten like okra

• Seed is eaten in soups and used as a flavouring

• Serves as source of fiber and timbers

• Wood ashes are used as a salt substitute

• Oil extracted from seed is used for cooking

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, northern South America, southern Asia, tropical west Africa

WHY IS IT GREEN?

plantsoftheworldonline.org

• Diabetes

• Fever

• Gonorrhoea

• Emollient

• Syphilis

• Emetic

• Astringent

• Demulcent

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Menorrhagia  

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The seed is toxic but the oil is edible

Can serve as an ornamental plant

FUN FACT

The oil has a yellow colour and taste resembling cottonseed oil

Flowers - blanched and eaten with chilli sauce

FURTHER READINGS

Silitonga, A. S., Ong, H. C., Mahlia, T. M. I., Masjuki, H. H., & Chong, W. T. (2013). Characterization and production of Ceiba pentandra biodiesel and its blends. Fuel. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2013.02.014

T. K., L., & Lim, T. K. (2012). Ceiba pentandra. In Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8661-7_72

Zheng, Y., Wang, J., Zhu, Y., & Wang, A. (2015). Research and application of kapok fiber as an absorbing material: A mini review. In Journal of Environmental Sciences (China). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2014.09.026

Casuarina equisetifolia

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

NAME:  Casuarina equisetifolia     

FAMILY: Casuarinaceae

COMMON NAMES:   Australian pine, horse-tail tree, whistling pine, She Oak

LOCAL NAMES:  agoho pine, agoso, aro

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Casuarina equisetifolia is a tall (grows up to 35m height), slender, much branched evergreen tree that is deciduous and grows in open, coastal habitats.

USEFUL PART(s):   Leaves, seeds, roots, twig, bark

GENERAL USES:

• Seeds are roasted for salt

• Leaves are used for ornamental purposes

• Bark contains a red pigment which is used as dye

• Bark is used for preserving ropes.

• Wood is used to produce paper pulp

• Wood is highly regarded as a fuel

• A decoction of the twigs is used for treating swellings

• Roots extracts are used to treat dysentery, diarrhoea and stomach ache

• Powdered bark is used for treating pimples on the face

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Asia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Antipyretic

• Salt tolerant tree

• Dysentery

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach ache

• Asthma

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

It helps control erosion and is a wind breaking element

It is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen

Can serve as an ornamental plant

FUN FACT:

The fruit resembles a conifer cone made up of numerous carpels each containing a single seed with a small wing.

FURTHER READING

Casuarina equisetifolia Linn. (2011). In SpringerReference. https://doi.org/10.1007/springerreference_68248

Khare, C. P. (2007). Casuarina equisetifolia Linn. In Indian Medicinal Plants. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-70638-2_311

Kumar, R., Pandey, K. K., Chandrashekar, N., & Mohan, S. (2011). Study of age and height wise variability on calorific value and other fuel properties of Eucalyptus hybrid, Acacia auriculaeformis and Casuarina equisetifolia. Biomass and Bioenergy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.12.031

Samarakoon, M. B., Tanaka, N., & Iimura, K. (2013). Improvement of effectiveness of existing Casuarina equisetifolia forests in mitigating tsunami damage. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.10.050

Valdés, M., Pérez, N. O., Estrada-De Los Santos, P., Caballero-Mellado, J., Peña-Cabriales, J. J., Normand, P., & Hirsch, A. M. (2005). Non-Frankia actinomycetes isolated from surface-sterilized roots of Casuarina equisetifolia fix nitrogen. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.1.460-466.2005

Van Rooyen, M. W., Van Rooyen, N., & Stoffberg, G. H. (2013). Carbon sequestration potential of post-mining reforestation activities on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa. Forestry. https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cps070

Cassytha filiformis

Wikimedia Commons

NAME: Cassytha filiformis       

FAMILY: Lauraceae

COMMON NAMES: Devil's gut, parasitic vine, Dodder Laurel,love-vine

LOCAL NAMES:  Omoniginigini, omonigele-gele, sulunwahi.

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Cassytha filiformis is a much branched, slender, parasitic or semiparasitic plant,green leafless, scruby and perennial plant.

USEFUL PART(s):   Stem, twigs

GENERAL USES:

• Whole plant is used as a paste for paper-making by local people

• Leaves are used as vegetables

• The stems serves as a source for brown dye when mashed in water.

• Stems are used to make a mucilaginous hair tonic when dried,powdered and  mixed with sesame oil

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Africa, Asia, Australia, America

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Anthelmintics

• Antimicrobials

• Antifungal

• Oedema

• Headache

• Hepatitis 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

It poses a threat to endangered plant species in coastal habitats in the tropics

FUN FACT

Its stem has a luxuriant hair-like appearance

FURTHER READINGS

Armenia, A., Hercegovina, H., Gustinanda, D., Salasa, A. N., Yuliandra, Y., & Ismed, F. (2015). Acute and delayed toxicity study of Cassytha filiformis defatted ethanolic extract. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Khare, C. P. (2007). Cassytha filiformis Linn. In Indian Medicinal Plants. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-70638-2_309

Mythili, S., Gajalakshmi, S., Sathiavelu, A., & Sridharan, T. B. (2011). Pharmacological Activities of Cassytha Filiformis: A Review. Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research.

Wu, C. S., Wang, T. J., Chia-Wenwu, Wang, Y. N., & Chaw, S. M. (2017). Plastome evolution in the sole hemiparasitic genus laurel dodder (cassytha) and insights into the plastid phylogenomics of lauraceae. Genome Biology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evx177

Yuliandra, Y., Armenia, A., & Arifin, H. (2017). Antihypertensive and antioxidant activity of Cassytha filiformis L.: A correlative study. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.06.007

Casearia barteri

Central African Plants

NAME:  Casearia barteri

FAMILY: Samydaceae 

COMMON NAMES: nzema punum, akpanọ-ẹzẹ

LOCAL NAMES:  Ukpakuzon

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

A shrub or tree plant growing to about 20 -40 m in height and mostly found in swamp forest

USEFUL PART(s):   Stem, twig, bark

GENERAL USES:

•   Stem are used as chew-sticks

•   Fruits are used as a fish poison

• Leaves are used in preparing Burundi decoctions which are drunk against fever and madness

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Nigeria, Sudan, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Toothache

• Oral hygiene

• Fever   

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

It's habitat provides shelter for endangered and threatened species like alligator.

FUN FACT

It's mostly found in rainforest, swampy, flooded, half deciduous and secondary forests

FURTHER READINGS

Breteler, F.J., 2008. A synopsis of Casearia Jacq. (Samydeae – Salicaceae) in West and Central Africa with a description of a new species from Eastern Congo (Kinshasa). Kew Bulletin 63: 101–112.

http://congotrees.rbge.org.uk/species/details/casearia-barteri

https://plants.jstor.org/compilation/casearia.barteri

Carpolobia lutea

Useful Tropical Plants

NAME:  Carpolobia lutea

FAMILY:    Polygalaceae

COMMON NAMES:  Cattlestick, poor man’s candle

LOCAL NAMES:   Osunsun, Uziza, Aghba –awa

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Carpolobia lutea is a short fruit producing tree growing to about 15ft in height.

USEFUL PART(s):  Leaves, bark, root, fruit           

GENERAL USES:

• Edible leaves as vegetable

• Edible fruit

• Wood is used for making household utensils

• Used as an aphrodisiac herbal medicine

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Rheumatism

• Aphrodisiac

• Toothache

• Ulcer

• Malaria

• Genetourinary

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

It is resistant to termites

FUN FACT:

Extract from Cattle stick leave could help to protect chemical messengers in the brain which play a vital role in functions including memory and learning.

FURTHER READING:

Nwidu, L. L., Nwafor, P. A., & Vilegas, W. (2015). The aphrodisiac herb Carpolobia: A biopharmacological and phytochemical review. In Pharmacognosy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.162128

Ogunsile, B. O., & Quintana, G. C. (2010). Modeling of soda - ethanol pulps from Carpolobia lutea. BioResources. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.5.4.2417-2430

Ogunwande, I. A., Flamini, G., Avoseh, N. O., & Banwo, I. D. (2014). Essential oil of carpolobia lutea. Chemistry of Natural Compounds. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10600-014-0958-0

Carpodinus dulcis

Global Plants on JSTOR

NAME:  Carpodinus dulcis

FAMILY:  Apocynacee

COMMON NAMES: brunehol, girl’s rubber   

LOCAL NAMES: kushument (k)

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

A climbing shrub with long terminal stems up to 10 metres long that attach themselves to other plants for support by means of tendrils.

USEFUL PART(s):  Whole Plant

GENERAL USES:               

• The fruit is edible

• Ointments making

• Medicinal use for impotency

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Galactagogure

• Aphrodisiac

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Can serve medicinal purposes

• Adapts in tropical regions

• Serves as raw material for rubber industry.

FUN FACT

The fruit is yellow externally, in size and appearance resembling a lime.

FURTHER READING

Burkill, H.M. 1985. The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 1

Hedrick, ed., 1919. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. 

Carissa edulis

PlantZAfrica

NAME: Carissa edulis  

FAMILY:  Apocynaeae Bagozaki

COMMON NAMES: climbing num-num, simple-spined num-num

LOCAL NAMES: Arabian numnum, agam, simple-spined num-num

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Carissa edulis is a fast-growing spin evergreen shrub with glossy foliage scrambling up to 6 m tall. It produces flowers with white color tinged pink to purple.

USEFUL PART(s): Roots, fruits

GENERAL USES:                 

• Fruit can be fermented to make a refreshing pink wine or left longer to make vinegar

• In Kenya, root is used as snake repellant

• Plant suitable for planting as a protective hedge

• Contain carissin that can be used to treat cancer.

• Root is used in stew and soup

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Kenya, South Africa, India, Thailand, Nigeria

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Expectorant

• Abortifacient

• Herpes simplex virus.

• Venereal diseases

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Can serve as ornamental plant

FUN FACT

It is drought resistant.

FURTHER READINGS
Achenbach, H., Waibel, R., & Addae-Mensah, I. (1983). Lignans and other constituents from Carissa edulis. Phytochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86976-9

Al-Youssef, H. M., & Hassan, W. H. B. (2017). Chemical constituents of Carissa edulis Vahl. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2014.01.004

Fanta Yadang, S. A., Taiwe Sotoing, G., Ngatcha Zouakeu, K. S., Khan, M. A., Agbor, G. A., Ur-Rahman, N., & Ngo Bum, E. (2019). Quantification of Bioactive Compounds and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Carissa edulis Valh (Apocynaceae) Leaves. Scientific World Journal. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7549620

Kebenei, J. S., Ndalut, P. K., & Sabah, A. O. (2011). Anti-plasmodial activity of nortrachelogenin from the root bark of Carissa edulis (vahl). International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products.

Okullo, J. B. L., Omujal, F., Bigirimana, C., Isubikalu, P., Malinga, M., Bizuru, E., & Namutebi, A. (2014). Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies Ethno-Medicinal Uses of Selected Indigenous Fruit Trees from the Lake Victoria Basin Districts in Uganda. Journal of Medicinal Studies.

Ya’u, J., Yaro, A. H., Abubakar, M. S., Anuka, J. A., & Hussaini, I. M. (2008). Anticonvulsant activity of Carissa edulis (Vahl) (Apocynaceae) root bark extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.08.029

Carica papaya

NAME:   Carica papaya

FAMILY:  Caricaceae

COMMON NAMES:  Pawpaw, Papaya

LOCAL NAMES: Ibepe, Ojo, gwanda 

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:

Carica papaya is a small, few branched tree, with a tall single stem (growing about 5-10m) and its leaves are large (50-70cm), spirally arranged and confined to the top of the trunk.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers

GENERAL USES:

• Fruits are edible raw or cooked

• Male flower are cooked as vegetable

• Seed can be used as spices in  salad dressing

• Papain enzyme as meat tenderizer

• Used in dye and tanning

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: 

Spain, Nigeria, Phillipine, India

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Gonorrhoea

• Syphilis

• Amoebic dysentery

• Roundworms

• Abortifacient

• Emmenagogue

• Diabetes

• Convulsion

• Mental disorder

• Malaria.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Papaya cultivation requires heavy fertilizer applications.

FUN FACT

The black seed is edible and actually tasted like black pepper

FURTHER READINGS

Fitch, M. M. (2009). Carica papaya papaya. In Biotechnology of fruit and nut crops. https://doi.org/10.1079/9780851996622.0174

Maisarah, A. M., Nurul Amira, B., Asmah, R., & Fauziah, O. (2013). Antioxidant analysis of different parts of Carica papaya. International Food Research Journal.

Singh, S. P., & Sudhakar Rao, D. V. (2011). Papaya (Carica papaya L.). In Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857092618.86

T. K., L., & Lim, T. K. (2012). Carica papaya. In Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8661-7_97

Teixeira, J. A., Rashid, Z., Tan, D., Dharini, N., Gera, A., Teixeira, M., Jr, S., & Tennant, P. F. (2007). Papaya ( Carica papaya L .) Biology and Biotechnology. Africa.

Yogiraj, V., Goyal, P. K., Chauhan, C. S., Goyal, A., & Vyas, B. (2014). Carica papaya Linn: an overview. International Journal of Herbal Medicine.