Tree Spurge

Hilleria latifolia

Name: Hilleria latifolia

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Common Names: Broad-leaved Hilleria, Tree Spurge

Local Names: Depending on the region, it might be known by names such as "Akoko" in Nigeria.

Morphological Description: Hilleria latifolia is a small to medium-sized tree known for its broad leaves and relatively small, inconspicuous flowers. The leaves are typically ovate or elliptical and arranged alternately along the branches. The tree can reach heights of up to 10 meters.

Useful Part(s):

  • Bark and Roots: Used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

  • Wood: Sometimes used locally for small-scale construction or fuel.

General Uses:

  1. Medicinal: Different parts of the plant, particularly the bark and roots, are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fevers, stomach issues, and skin conditions.

  2. Wood: The wood might be utilized for crafting small items or as firewood.

Geographic Distribution: Hilleria latifolia is native to various parts of Africa, including countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often found in woodland areas.

Why is it Green? Like all green plants, Hilleria latifolia owes its green color to chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for absorbing sunlight and facilitating photosynthesis, the process through which plants produce their food.

Environmental Impact: In its natural habitat, Hilleria latifolia contributes to the ecosystem by providing habitat for various organisms, potentially serving as food for certain wildlife, and assisting in soil stabilization.

Fun Fact: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115301088 https://www.academia.edu/9534774/Pharmacognostic_standardisation_of_Hilleria_latifolia_Lam_H_Walt_Phytolaccaceae_

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