Calotropis procera

NAME:    Calotropis procera

FAMILY: Apocynaceae

COMMON NAMES: Giant milk weed, sodom apple, king's crown

LOCAL NAMES: Bomubomu, Tumfatiya, Faftan

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: This is a flowering plant growing up to 4m or more tall. It is a shrub a deep taproot, 3-4 m deep, and a secondary root system with woody lateral roots that may rapidly regenerate adventitious shoots when the plant is injured

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

GENERAL USES:

• The leaves have been used as a soup ingredient in sauces

• The stems yield a fibre useful for making ropes, bags, nets and paper

• Medicinal purpose

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• North Africa, tropical Africa, Western Asia, South Asia.

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Diarrhoea,

• Dysentery

• Elephantiasis

• Leprosy

• Chronic eczema

• Ringworm

• Cough

• Diaphoretic

• Emetic

• Asthma

• Abortifacient

• Convulsion

• Antipyretic.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Calotropis extracts, chopped leaves, and latex have shown in vitro and in vivo nematicidal properties.

• The milky sap of the plant is poisonous some of which are steroidal heart poisons known as "cardiac aglycones”

FUN FACT

• Calotropis extracts, chopped leaves, and latex have shown in vitro and in vivo nematicidal properties

FURTHER READINGS

Chundattu, S. J., Agrawal, V. K., & Ganesh, N. (2016). Phytochemical investigation of Calotropis procera. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2011.03.011

Hassan, L. M., Galal, T. M., Farahat, E. A., & El-Midany, M. M. (2015). The biology of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. In Trees - Structure and Function. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-015-1158-7

Rayanatou, I. A., Mahamadou, E. H. G., Garric, G., Harel-Oger, M., Leduc, A., Jardin, J., Briard-Bion, V., Cauty, C., Adakal, H., Grongnet, J. F., & Gaucheron, F. (2017). Physico-chemical characterization of dairy gel obtained by a proteolytic extract from Calotropis procera – A comparison with chymosin. Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.039

Calophyllum inophyllum

NAME:    Calophyllum inophyllum

FAMILY: Guttiferae or Calophyllaceae

COMMON NAMES:  Alexandrian laurel, Dillo oil tree,red poon

LOCAL NAMES:  bintangur, Nambagura, tamanu, or kamani.

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION Calophyllum inophyllum is an ornamental plant. It is a medium-sized and slow-growing evergreen tree with a spreading and irregular crown. It usually grows up to 8 to 20 m (26 to 66 ft) in height. All parts of the plant contain a sticky yellowish latex.

GENERAL USES:

• Shipbuilding

• An oil obtained from the seed is edible after being refined

• The mature fruit is burned as a mosquito repellent

• The stones of the fruit are used as marbles

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Calophyllum inophyllum is native to Africa, South, Southeast and East Asia, Australia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Purgative

• Eye infection

• migraine

• astringent

• ulcers

• gonorrhea

• boils and ophthalmia

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• The sap of the tree is poisonous

• The leaves contain compounds that are poisonous to fish

FUN FACT

• In Australia a fine of £10 is inflicted on any person who cuts down Alexandrian laurel.

FURTHER READINGS

Lim, T. K., & Lim, T. K. (2012). Calophyllum inophyllum. In Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1764-0_2

Ong, H. C., Mahlia, T. M. I., Masjuki, H. H., & Norhasyima, R. S. (2011). Comparison of palm oil, Jatropha curcas and Calophyllum inophyllum for biodiesel: A review. In Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.05.005

Susanto, D. F., Aparamarta, H. W., Widjaja, A., & Gunawan, S. (2017). Identification of phytochemical compounds in Calophyllum inophyllum leaves. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.08.001

Caloncoba glauca

Wikipedia

NAME: Caloncoba glauca

FAMILY: Flacourtiaceae

COMMON NAMES: Caloncoba

LOCAL NAMES: Kakandika, pomuseghe

MORPHOLOGY DESCRIPTION: A small tree about 15 m tall native to rainforests in western Tropical Africa with a spreading crown of simple leaves and attractive, white and orange flowers followed by edible fruits.

USEFUL PART(s): Seeds, root, bark, leaf

GENERAL USES:

• Medicinal purpose

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

• Cameroon, Congo, Guinea, Cote d’ivoire

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Leprosy

• skin lesions

• pustular skin eruptions

• migraines

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Though the fruit is edible the seed can be poisonous to animals

FUN FACTS

• In Congo (Brazzaville) leaf-sap is put on the temples to relieve migraine

FURTHER READINGS

Mpetga, J. D. S., Tene, M., Wabo, H. K., Li, S. F., Kong, L. M., He, H. P., Hao, X. J., & Tane, P. (2012). Cytotoxic cycloartanes from the fruits of Caloncoba glauca. Phytochemistry Letters. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2011.12.006

Simo Mpetga, J. D., He, H. P., Hao, X. J., Leng, Y., & Tane, P. (2014). Further cycloartane and friedelane triterpenoids from the leaves of Caloncoba glauca. Phytochemistry Letters. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2013.09.015

Calliandra portoricensis

Wikipedia

NAME: Calliandra portoricensis

FAMILY: Leguminosae

COMMON NAMES: Corpse awakener, snowflake acacia 

LOCAL NAMES: Tude, ule, Oga, Mbuceioro

MORPHOLOGY DESCRIPTION: Corpse awakener is a large shrub or small tree with small bipinnate leaves have a feathery appearance and fluffy white flowers

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, twigs, roots

GENERAL USES:

• Medicinal uses

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

• West Indies, Mexico and Panama

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Fevers

• convulsions,

• treatment of breast engorgement,

• stomach disorders,

• purgative

• amenorrhoea,

• headache

• lumbago

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Susceptible to red spider mite and mealy bugs

FUN FACTS

FURTHER READING

Adaramoye, O., Erguen, B., Oyebode, O., Nitzsche, B., Höpfner, M., Jung, K., & Rabien, A. (2015). Antioxidant, antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities of root methanol extract of Calliandra portoricensis in human prostate cancer cells. Journal of Integrative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-4964(15)60175-3

Aguwa, C. N., & Lawal, A. M. (1988). Pharmacologic studies on the active principles of calliandra portoricensis leaf extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(88)90231-0

Akah, P. A., & Nwaiwu, J. I. (1988). Anticonvulsant activity of root and stem extracts of Calliandra portoricensis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(88)90128-6

Amadi, P. U., Agomuo, E. N., Bob-Chile Agada, A. I., Njoku, U. C., Ifeanacho, M. O., Okereke, J. C., Iheka, C. U., & Osuoha, J. O. (2018). Toxicities of selected medicinal plants and floras of lower phyla. Alexandria Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajme.2018.05.001

Hernandez, H. M. (1989). Systematics of Zapoteca (Leguminosae). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. https://doi.org/10.2307/2399649

Calliandra haematocephala

Wikipedia

NAME: Calliandra haematocephala

FAMILY: Leguminosae/ Mimosaceae

COMMON NAMES:  Calliandra, Powderpuff

LOCAL NAMES: Tude, ule

MORPHOLIGICAL DESCRIPTION: Powderpuff is an ornamental shrub of 12 to 15 feet height with red or pink flower. The fruits are brown color.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, barks, stem, roots

GENERAL USES:

• It is an ornamental plant

• Powderpuff has medical benefits

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

• Native to tropical America, Philippine

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Antimicrobials,

• anti-inflammatory,

• anticonvulsant,

• hemorrhoids.

• immunomodulatory

• antiulcerogenic

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Unknown

FUN FACTS

• Decoction of the flowers used as blood purifier and tonic

FURTHER READINGS

Bahieldeen, A., Mourad, M. M., & Alsafa, H. M. (2010). Molecular Taxonomy of some Selected Taxa of Subfamily Mimosoideae. Journal of American Science.

McCoy, R. E., Basham, H. G., & Davis, R. E. (1982). Powder puff spiroplasma: A new epiphytic mycoplasma. Microbial Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010450

Nia, R., Adesanya, S., Okeke, I., Illoh, H., & Adesina, S. (1999). ANTIBACTERIAL CONSTITUENTS OF CALLIANDRA HAEMATOCEPHALA. Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine. https://doi.org/10.4314/njnpm.v3i1.11761

Zhang, W., Yin, Z., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y., & Kang, W. (2018). Volatiles in Flowers, Stems, and Leaves of Calliandra haematocephala. Chemistry of Natural Compounds. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10600-018-2336-9

Calendula officinalis

Wikipedia

NAME: Calendula officinalis

FAMILY:  Asteraceae

COMMON NAMES:  Marigold, Pot Marigold, ruddles

LOCAL NAMES: Ododo-Maria

MORPHOLIGICAL DESCRIPTION: Calendula officinalis is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous perennial. The flowers maybe orange or yellow. The plant grows to about 30cm with branching stems that are slightly or moderately hairy or sticky.

USEFUL PART(s): flower, leave and root

GENERAL USES

• Pot marigold florets and leaves are edible.

• They are often used to add color to salads and food generally

• It also has medicinal benefits.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

• Australia and New Zealand

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• treating sore throat and mouth,

• menstrual cramps,

• cancer

• pain and swelling (inflammation)

• stomach and duodenal ulcers.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Calendula may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.

FUN FACTS

• Pot marigold is one of the few plants which is considered astringent despite not being high in tannins.

• Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts may have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro

FURTHER READING

Efstratiou, E., Hussain, A. I., Nigam, P. S., Moore, J. E., Ayub, M. A., & Rao, J. R. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical pathogens. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.02.003

Lastra Valdés, H., & Piquet García, R. (1999). Calendula officinalis. In Revista Cubana de Farmacia. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-952092

Ong, H. C., Mahlia, T. M. I., Masjuki, H. H., & Norhasyima, R. S. (2011). Comparison of palm oil, Jatropha curcas and Calophyllum inophyllum for biodiesel: A review. In Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.05.005

Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, G., & Kuttan, R. (2006). Antioxidant potential of an extract of Calendula officinalis flowers in vitro and in vivo. Pharmaceutical Biology. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880200601009149

Roveroni-Favaretto, L. H. D., Lodi, K. B., & Almeida, J. D. (2009). Topical Calendula officinalis L. successfully treated exfoliative cheilitis: A case report. Cases Journal. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1626-2-9077

Calopogonium mucunoides

NAME: Calopogonium mucunoides

FAMILY:  Fabaceae

COMMON NAMES:  calopo, wild ground nut, crab grass

LOCAL NAMES: Apalofa, Agbiri

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Calopogonium mucunoides is  vigorous, hairy annual or short-lived creeping, twining or trailing, herb, up to several metres long, forming a tangled mass of foliage 30-50 cm thick, with densely pilose stems with long rust-coloured hairs.  

USEFUL PART(s): seed and leaves

GENERAL USES:

• It is an important cover crop for plantation crops

• Green manure to protect the soil surface

• Weed controller

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Tropical Americas and the West Indies, Indonesia and Malaysia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Diarrhoea,

• Skin infection.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Does not contain toxic factors.

• Weed potential

FURTHER READING

Dinesh, R., Suryanarayana, M. A., Ghoshal Chaudhuri, S., & Sheeja, T. E. (2004). Long-term influence of leguminous cover crops on the biochemical properties of a sandy clay loam Fluventic Sulfaquent in a humid tropical region of India. Soil and Tillage Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2003.11.001

HIDAYATI, N. (2006). Potency of Centrocema pubescence, Calopogonium mucunoides, and Micania cordata for cleaning metal contaminants of gold mines waste. Biodiversitas, Journal of Biological Diversity. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d070102

Leuner, O., Havlik, J., Hummelova, J., Prokudina, E., Novy, P., & Kokoska, L. (2013). Distribution of isoflavones and coumestrol in neglected tropical and subtropical legumes. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.5835

Ribeiro, R. C., Feitoza, R. B. B., Lima, H. R. P., & Geraldo De Carvalho, M. (2015). Phytotoxic effects of phenolic compounds on Calopogonium mucunoides (Fabaceae) roots. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT15097

Cajanus cajan

NAME:   Cajanus cajan 

FAMILY: Fabaceae/ Leguminosae.

COMMON NAMES:  Red gram, congo pea, gungo pea, and no-eye pe

LOCAL NAMES: Otili, Orela, Tur, Arhar, Adhaki

MORPHOLOLIGAL DESCRIPTION: Pigeon pea is a short-lived, erect, growing legume plant about 4m tall with erect ribbed, densely pubescent stems

USEFUL PART(s): Seed, leaves, shoot

GENERAL USES:

• Pigeon peas are edible seed, the young shoots and leaves can also be cooked and eaten

• Pigeon peas are also use for medicinal purposes

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

India, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Cajanus cajan medicinal values include

• Smallpox,

• chickenpox,

• diuretic,

• laxative,

• haemostatic,

• astringent,

• measles,

• mouth wash.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Pigeon pea was domesticated in India 3,500 years ago.

FURTHER READINGS

Duker-Eshun, G., Jaroszewski, J. W., Asomaning, W. A., Oppong-Boachie, F., & Christensen, S. B. (2004). Antiplasmodial Constituents of Cajanus cajan. Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1375

Oshodi, A. A., & Ekperigin, M. M. (1989). Functional properties of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) flour. Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/0308-8146(89)90139-8

Sharma, K. K., Sreelatha, G., & Dayal, S. (2006). Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.). In Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0433-3_5

Summerfield, R. J., & Roberts, E. H. (2018). Cajanus cajan. In Handbook of Flowering: Volume I. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781351072533

Impatiens walleriana

Source: Wikipedia

NAME: Impatiens walleriana
FAMILY: Balsaminaceae
COMMON NAMES: busy Lizzie (British Isles), balsam, sultana, or simply impatiens
LOCAL NAMES: Fleissiges Lieschen, Sultansbalsemien, busy-lizzie

 
USEFUL PART(s): leaves, stems, flowers, roots.
 

GENERAL USES:

• Leaves and roots dried, pounded mixed with water, juice drank as abortifacient.

• North American impatiens has been used as herbal remedies for the treatment of bee stings, insect bites, and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) rashes.

• They are also used after poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) contact to prevent a rash from developing.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Southeastern Kenya

• Tanzania

• Southern Malawi

• Western Mozambique

• Eastern Zimbabwe

• North America

• Australia

• Several Pacific islands

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Impatiens walleriana medicinal values include:

• poison ivy

• gastro-intestinal canal

• allergic reaction

• athlete’s foot

• dandruff

FURTHER READINGS

"The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 20 January 2014.

Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.

Eckehart J. Jäger, Friedrich Ebel, Peter Hanelt, Gerd K. Müller (ed.): Rothmaler excursion flora of Germany. Volume 5: Herbaceous ornamental and useful plants. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg 2008, ISBN 978-3-8274-0918-8

Jump up to:a b RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.

"RHS Plant Selector - Impatiens Accent series". Retrieved 23 June 2013.

"RHS Plant Selector - Impatiens walleriana Super Elfin Series". Retrieved 23 June2013.

"RHS Plant Selector - Impatiens walleriana Tempo Series". Retrieved 23 June2013.

Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.

"AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 52. Retrieved 10 March 2018.

"RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens 'Divine Violet' (Divine Series)". Retrieved 12 March2018.

"RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens Magnum Wild Salmon (Magnum Series)". Retrieved 12 March 2018.

"RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Blush Pink = Sakimp013 (SunPatiens Series)". Retrieved 12 March 2018.

"RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange = 'Sakimp025' (SunPatiens Series)". Retrieved 12 March 2018.

"RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Orange = 'Sakimp011'". Retrieved 7 March 2018.

"RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens SunPatiens Spreading Variegated Salmon = 'Sakimp005' (SunPatiens Series)". Retrieved 7 March 2018.

 "RHS Plantfinder - Impatiens Spreading Variegated White = 'Sakimp018' (SunPatiens Series)". Retrieved 12 March 2018.

Source: Wikipedia

Catharanthus roseus

NAME:  Catharanthus roseus

FAMILY: Apocynaceae

COMMON NAMES: Madagascar periwinkle, rose periwinkle, rosy periwinkle

LOCAL NAMES: kanniedood ("cannot kill")

USEFUL PART(s): roots and shoots

GENERAL USES:

• Curing several diseases

• Ornamental

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Madagascar

• South Africa

• Australia

• Bengali

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Catharanthus roseus medicinal values include

• Cures Malaria

• Diabetes

• Hodgkin's lymphoma.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• C. roseus can be extremely toxic if consumed orally by humans

FUN FACT

• The Afrikaans name "kanniedood" ("cannot kill") is often used in South Africa

• Periwinkles are of two types - Foliage periwinkle (which often grows wild on cliffs) and Annual periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).

FURTHER READINGS

• "Catharanthus roseus". Orpheus Island Research Station – James Cook University. Retrieved 2 November 2015.

• "Factsheet – Catharanthus roseus". Queensland Government. Retrieved 2 November 2015.

• "RHS Plantfinder - Catharanthus roseus". Retrieved 12 January 2018.

• "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 16. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

• van Der Heijden, Robert; Jacobs, Denise I.; Snoeijer, Wim; Hallard, Didier; Verpoorte, Robert (2004). "The Catharanthus alkaloids: Pharmacognosy and biotechnology". Current Medicinal Chemistry. 11 (5): 607–628. doi:10.2174/0929867043455846. PMID 15032608.

• Karasov, Corliss (2001). "Who Reaps the Benefits of Biodiversity?". Environmental Health Perspectives. 109 (12): A582–A587. doi:10.2307/3454734. JSTOR 3454734. PMC 1240518. PMID 11748021.

• Marcone, C.; Ragozzino, A.; Seemuller, E. (1997). "Dodder transmission of alder yellows phytoplasma to the experimental host Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle)". Forest Pathology. 27 (6): 347–350. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0329.1997.tb01449.x.

Caesalpinia pulcherima

NAME: Caesalpinia pulcherima

FAMILY: Leguminosae

COMMON NAMES: Pride of Barbados, paradise flower, flamboyant

LOCAL NAMES: Eko-omode, fa’thangu, niikaéeéi

USEFUL PART(s): Bark,leaves,seeds

GENERAL USES:

• The young seeds and flower are edible and eaten when cooked

• It is cultivated as hedge

• It is use in beautifying the environment

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• China

• India

• Iraq

• Japan

• Egypt

• Malawi

• Togo

• Nigeria

• Zambia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Caesalpinia cristata medicinal values include

• Purgative

• Emollient

• Abortifacient

• Emmenagogue

• Astringent

• Diarrhoea

• stomach-aches

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Ornamental value

FUN FACT

• Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a deciduous or evergreen small tree with a scattered canopy, mostly without thorns, reaching up to 5 m high.

• It has a slender, straight, cylindrical bole is and can be without branches for 1 m or more.

FURTHER READINGS

S. A. Deshmukh, N. M. L. M. B. W. S. R. C. D. K. G. (2013). Morphometric Studies in the Genus Caesalpinia L. from Kolhapur District\n. Research & Reviews : Journal of Botany, 2(1), 25--28. Retrieved from http://www.stmjournals.com/sci/index.php?journal=RRJoB&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=25- 28%5Cn

Sheela Devi, A., Rajkumar, J., Modilal, M. R. D., & Ilayaraja, R. (2012). Antimicrobial activities of Avicennia marina, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Melastoma malabathricum against clinical pathogens isolated from UTI. International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, 3(3).

Caesalpinia cristata

NAME: Caesalpinia cristata

FAMILY: Caesalpiniaceae

COMMON NAMES: Bonduc nut, fever nut, cassie, Akit makit

LOCAL NAMES: Mkomwe, mnamu

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, roots, seeds

GENERAL USES:

• The seeds used for playing boards games and as beads

• The oil derived from the seeds is used for cooking

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• India

• Thailand

• New Guinea

• Madagascar

• Togo

• Cameroon

• Jamaica

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Caesalpinia cristata medicinal values include

• Antipyretic

• Anthelmintic

• Astringent

• Asthma

• Colic

• Diarrhoea

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Caesalpinia cristata is widespread, common and plentiful in forest clearing about 1000m

• It is indigenous in indian subcontinent, tropical areas of Africa and Americas

FURTHER READINGS

Baldim Zanin, J. L., De Carvalho, B. A., Martineli, P. S., Dos Santos, M. H., Lago, J. H. G., Sartorelli, P., … Soares, M. G. (2012). The genus Caesalpinia L. (Caesalpiniaceae): Phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics. Molecules, 17(7), 7887–7902. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17077887

Eboji, O., Venables, L., Sowemimo, A. A., Sofidiya, M. O., Koekemoer, T., & Van de Venter, M. (2017). Burkea africana Hook (Caesalpiniaceae) ethanolic extract causes cell cycle arrest at M phase and induces caspase dependent apoptosis. South African Journal of Botany, 112, 361–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2017.06.013

S. A. Deshmukh, N. M. L. M. B. W. S. R. C. D. K. G. (2013). Morphometric Studies in the Genus Caesalpinia L. from Kolhapur District\n. Research & Reviews : Journal of Botany, 2(1), 25--28. Retrieved from http://www.stmjournals.com/sci/index.php?journal=RRJoB&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=25- 28%5Cn

Caesalpinia bonduc

NAME: Caesalpinia bonduc  

FAMILY: Leguminosae

COMMON NAMES: Bonduc nut, physic nut, yellow nicker, cadoque, Atmota

LOCAL NAMES: Ayoo, Mate de Costa

USEFUL PART(s): Roots, leaves, seeds

GENERAL USES:

• The oil derived from the seeds is used for cooking

• Oil from the seed is used in making cosmetic

• It is cultivated as a live fence

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Angola

• Tanzania

• Ethiopia

• Nigeria

• Sierra Leone

• Equatorial Guinea

• China

• Brazil

• Peru

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Caesalpinia bonduc medicinal values include

• Fever

• Anthelmintics

• Respiratory diseases

• Anticancer

• Antifungal

• Antiviral

• Febrifuge

• hypercholesterolemia

• malaria

• cough

• rheumatism

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Caesalpinia bonduc is a scandent plant with stems growing up to 15 m long that are usually equipped with robust thorns.

• It is found mostly in disturbed sites and it is propagated by seeds.

FURTHER READINGS

Balasubramanian, D., Arunachalam, K., & Arunachalam, A. (2016). Dioecious caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. calls for conservation in Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam. Tropical Ecology, 57(1), 119–124.

Tu, W. C., Ding, L. F., Yang, H., Song, L. D., & Wu, X. De. (2017). A new cassane diterpene from Caesalpinia bonduc. Yaoxue Xuebao, 52(2), 279–282. https://doi.org/10.16438/j.0513-4870.2016-1121

Zhang, P., Tang, C., Yao, S., Ke, C., Lin, G., Hua, H. M., & Ye, Y. (2016). Cassane Diterpenoids from the Pericarps of Caesalpinia bonduc. Journal of Natural Products, 79(1), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00520

Butyrospermum paradoxum

NAME:  Butyrospermum paradoxum

FAMILY: Sapotaceae

COMMON NAMES: Shea butter tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, karate, Kadanya, lulu

LOCAL NAMES: Emi-emi, emi,Osisi,Ka'danya

USEFUL PART(s): Seeds

GENERAL USES:

• It is used for cosmetics as emollient

• It serves as food and used in cooking

• The oil is used in making soap and candle and used for chocolate cream

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION\

• Burkina Faso

• Ghana

• Nigeria

• Sudan

• Senegal

• Uganda

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Butyrospermum paradoxum medicinal values include

• Nasal decongestion and cattarhal condition

• anthelmintic

• hypertension

• diuretic

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Butyrospermum paradoxum is a small deciduous tree usually about 7-15 m tall, but may reach 25 m and a bole diameter up to 2 m.

• The bark is suberose, leaves are oblong and fruits are ellipsoidal

FURTHER READINGS

Ajayi, I. A., Raji, A. A., & Ogunkunle, E. O. (2015). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from seed extracts of Cyperus esculentus and Butyrospermum paradoxum. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences Ver. I, 10(4), 2319–7676. https://doi.org/10.9790/3008-10417690

Tapondjou, L. A., Nyaa, L. B. T., Tane, P., Ricciutelli, M., Quassinti, L., Bramucci, M., … Barboni, L. (2011). Cytotoxic and antioxidant triterpene saponins from Butyrospermum parkii (Sapotaceae). Carbohydrate Research, 346(17), 2699–2704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carres.2011.09.014

Butea frondosa

NAME:  Butea frondosa

FAMILY: Papilionaceae

COMMON NAMES: Flame of the forest, Bastard Teak, بو تيه  Bûtîyah, Butée à une graine,

LOCAL NAMES: Palash, Kinshuk

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, Bark, Flowers, seeds

GENERAL USES:

• The leaves can be used to feed farm animal

• The wood can be used  in carpentry

• The plant is used in beautifying the environment

• The gum of the tree is used in cooking dishes

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• India

• Nigeria

• Bangladesh

• Nepal

• Sri Lanka

• Myanmar

• Thailand

• Laos

• Cambodia

• Malaysia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Butea frondosa medicinal values include

• Aphorodisiac

• Astringent

• Diuretic

• Diabetes

• Leucorrhoea

• Antiseptic

• Anthelmintic

• Cough

• Cold

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Ornamental value

FUN FACT

• Butea frondosa is a slowing growing moderate-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 49 ft tall.

·         it is called after the Earl of Bute, a patron of botany.

FURTHER READINGS

Das, C., Dash, S., & Sahoo, D. C. (2012). Pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigation of Butea frondosa linn. bark. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 4(2), 475–482.

Goswami, S. K., Inamdar, M. N., Pandre, M. K., Jamwal, R., & Dethe, S. (2013). Erectogenic and aphrodisiac effects of butea frondosa koenig ex roxb. in Rats: Involvement of enzyme inhibition. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/874894

Malik, J., Kumar, M., Deshmukh, R., & Kumar, P. (2013). Ameliorating effect of lyophilized extract of Butea frondosa leaves on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Pharmaceutical Biology, 51(2), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2012.717229

Burkea Africana

 NAME:  Burkea africana

FAMILY: Caesalpiniaceae

COMMON NAMES: Burkea,wild seriga

LOCAL NAMES: Apasa, orusi, Fula-Fulfulde

USEFUL PART(s): Bark, twigs

GENERAL USES:

• The wood of the plant is used for heavy construction, flooring, furniture, railway sleepers, poles and so on

• The wood is used for firewood and to produce charcoal

• Young leaves and flower are edible and are eaten as vegetables

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Senegal

• Sudan

• Uganda

• Namibia

• Botswana

• Mozambique

• South Africa

• Nigeria

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Burkea africana medicinal values include

• Septic sores

• Headache

• Astringent

• Fever

• Cough

• Catarrh

• Pneumonia

• menorrhoea

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Burkea africana is a  deciduous, attractive tree normally with a scattered, flat crown mainly reaching 10 m tall;  sometimes low shrub, rarel specimens can be about 20 m

• It is common in deciduous woodland and in wooded grass-like vegetation  at elevations from 40 - 1,740 m

FURTHER READINGS

Eboji, O., Spies, L., Sowemimo, A., Koekemoer, T., Sofidiya, M., & Van de Venter, M. (2016). Cytotoxic Activity Of The Ethanolic Extract Of The Bark Of Burkea Africana Hook. (Caesalpinaceae). Planta Medica, 82(5), PC73. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1578775

Eboji, O., Venables, L., Sowemimo, A. A., Sofidiya, M. O., Koekemoer, T., & Van de Venter, M. (2017). Burkea africana Hook (Caesalpiniaceae) ethanolic extract causes cell cycle arrest at M phase and induces caspase dependent apoptosis. South African Journal of Botany, 112, 361–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2017.06.013

Buchholzia coriacea

NAME:  Buchholzia coriacea

FAMILY: Sterculiaceae

COMMON NAMES: Wonderful kola, oignon de gorille

LOCAL NAMES: Uworo, obi-ata

USEFUL PART(s): Fruit, bark

GENERAL USES:

• The fruits are most times consumed after boiling

• The seed is chewed as a replacement for kola nuts

• The wood is at times used in house construction.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Guinea

• Sierra Leone

• Cameroon

• Gabon

• Ivory Coast

• Nigeria

• Ghana

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Buchholzia coriacea medicinal values include

• Antimicrobials

• Respiratory disorders

• Dysmenorrhoea

• Ulcer

• Fibroid

• Chest pains

• Anthelminthics

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Buchholzia coriacea is an evergreen undergrowth tree of the lowland rain-forest about to 20 metres tall, ranging from Guinea to West Cameroons, and in East Cameroun and Gabon.

• The seeds have peppery taste

FURTHER READINGS

Ezike, A. C., Onyeto, C. A., Nwabunike, I. A., Mbaoji, F. N., Attah, B. E., Amanambu, S. O., & Okoli, C. O. (2015). Anti-inflammatory activity of Buchholzia coriacea Engl. (Capparaceae) leaf extract: Evaluation of components of the inflammatory response involved. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 12(2), 153–158. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2014-0046

Ijarotimi, O. S., Malomo, S. A., Fagbemi, T. N., Osundahunsi, O. F., & Aluko, R. E. (2018). Structural and functional properties of Buchholzia coriacea seed flour and protein concentrate at different pH and protein concentrations. Food Hydrocolloids, 74, 275–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2017.08.018

Salami, A. T., Odukanmi, O. A., Faniyan, O. F., Omayone, T. P., & Olaleye, S. B. (2017). Seeds of Buchholzia coriacea in Diet Mitigate Ischemic Reperfusion–Induced Gastric Ulceration in Experimental Rats. Journal of Dietary Supplements, pp. 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1404544

Brysocarpus coccineus

NAME:  Brysocarpus coccineus

FAMILY: Connaraceae

COMMON NAMES: Crimson thyme

LOCAL NAMES: Amuje wewe, ade,Kimbar maharbe,Oka abole,Mgba apepea

USEFUL PART(s): Root, leaves

GENERAL USES:

• The plant is use to decorate the environment

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Nigeria

• Togo

• Ghana

• Senegal

• Guinea Bissau

• Sierra Leone

• Ivory coast

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Brysocarpus coccineus medicinal values include

• Jaundice

• Pile

• Gonorrhea

• venereal disease

• impotence

• anti-tumour

• ulcer

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Ornamental value

FUN FACT

• Brysocarpus coccineus is a climbing  woody vine of savanna copse and secondary jungle, widely distributed from Guinea to West Cameroons, and in other parts of tropical Africa

FURTHER READINGS

Adedosu, O. T., Adejoke, T. T., Salako, O. O., & Olorunsogo, O. O. (2012). Effects of extracts of the leaves of brysocarpus coccineus on rat liver mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MMPT) pore. Afr J Med Med Sci, 41 Suppl, 125–132. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23678647

Couturier, M., Navarro, D., Chevret, D., Henrissat, B., Piumi, F., Ruiz-Dueñas, F. J., … Rosso, M. N. (2015). Enhanced degradation of softwood versus hardwood by the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus coccineus. Biotechnology for Biofuels, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13068-015-0407-8

Szymańska, R., & Kruk, J. (2013). Activity of tocopherol oxidase in Phaseolus coccineus seedlings. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 35(8), 2539–2545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-013-1289-7

Bryoria Africana

NAME:   Bryoria africana

FAMILY: Cucurbitaceae

COMMON NAMES: Roots

LOCAL NAMES:

USEFUL PART(s): Roots

GENERAL USES:

• The plan is primarily used for its medicinal value

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Nigeria

• Cameroon

• Ghana

• Togo

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Bryoria africana medicinal values include

• Purgative

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FUN FACT

• Bryoria africana is a plant native to Africa

FURTHER READINGS

Boluda, C. G., Divakar, P. K., Hawksworth, D. L., Villagra, J., & Rico, V. J. (2015). Molecular studies reveal a new species of Bryoria in Chile. The Lichenologist, 47(6), 387–394. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282915000298

Nadyeina, O., Cornejo, C., Boluda, C. G., Myllys, L., Rico, V. J., Crespo, A., & Scheidegger, C. (2014). Characterization of Microsatellite Loci in Lichen-Forming Fungi of Bryoria Section Implexae (Parmeliaceae). Applications in Plant Sciences, 2(7), 1400037. https://doi.org/10.3732/apps.1400037

Bryophyllum pinnatum

NAME: Bryophyllum pinnatum  

FAMILY: Crassulaceae

COMMON NAMES: Resurrection plant, cathedral bells, life plant, Mariyaphilan

LOCAL NAMES: Eru-odundun, abomoda, Panfuti

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, roots, leaf sap

GENERAL USES:

• The plant is use for its medicinal value

• It is also use to decorate the environment

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

• Madagascar

• Hawaii

• India

• Phillipines

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Indonesia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

Bryophyllum pinnatum medicinal values include

• Cough

• Diarrhea

• Dysentery

• Wounds

• Fever

• Diuretic

• abscesses,

• antifungal

• epilepsy

• antimicrobial

• anticancer

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Ornamental value

• Invasive plant

• Environmental weed

FUN FACT

• Bryophyllum pinnatum is a long-lived, succulent non woody plant with erect stems usually growing up to 1.2m high, but can reach up to 2 m at times.

• Leaves are simple or compound, with three or five small plant leaves.

• Poisonous to both man and animal

FURTHER READINGS

Braz, D. C., Oliveira, L. R. S., & Viana, A. F. S. C. (2013). Atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato aquoso da Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz. Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais, 15(1), 86–90. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-05722013000100012

Chibli, L. A., Rodrigues, K. C. M., Gasparetto, C. M., Pinto, N. C. C., Fabri, R. L., Scio, E., … Sousa, O. V. (2014). Anti-inflammatory effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken ethanol extract in acute and chronic cutaneous inflammation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 154(2), 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.03.035

Lambrigger-Steiner, C., Simões-Wüst, A. P., Kuck, A., Fürer, K., Hamburger, M., & Von Mandach, U. (2014). Sleep quality in pregnancy during treatment with Bryophyllum pinnatum: An observational study. Phytomedicine, 21(5), 753–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2013.11.003