African Rubber

Funtumia africana

NAME: Funtumia africana

FAMILY: Apocynaceae

COMMON NAMES: African Rubber, Lagos Silk Rubber

LOCAL NAMES: Akoire, Ako-ire Mbamiri

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Funtumia africana is a large evergreen tree belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a straight, cylindrical trunk. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oval-shaped with a glossy dark green color. The tree produces small, pale yellow flowers that are arranged in terminal clusters. The flowers give way to woody capsules filled with numerous seeds embedded in a silky fiber.

USEFUL PART(s): The latex sap obtained from Funtumia africana is the most valuable part of the plant.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Rubber Production: Funtumia africana is a source of natural rubber. The latex sap obtained from the tree is rich in latex, which contains polymers that can be processed into rubber. This rubber can be used in the manufacturing of various products, including tires, footwear, and industrial materials.

  2. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, different parts of Funtumia africana, such as the bark and leaves, are used to treat various ailments. The bark is known for its antimicrobial properties and is used to treat infections and skin disorders.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Funtumia africana is native to West and Central Africa. It is found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Funtumia africana, like other plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells that absorbs sunlight and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Funtumia africana has positive environmental impacts. As a large tree species, it provides shade, habitat, and food sources for various organisms. Additionally, the rubber production from Funtumia africana can contribute to sustainable economic activities in local communities.

FUN FACT: The latex sap of Funtumia africana was historically used by local communities in Africa to make waterproof coatings for baskets and canoes. The rubber produced from this tree has been utilized in traditional practices long before the commercial applications of rubber were discovered.

Further Reading: For more information on Funtumia africana, you may refer to the following sources:

  1. [Example Source 1]