Datura metel

NAME: Datura metel 

FAMILY NAME: Solanaceae

COMMON NAMES: Devil's trumpet, Angel’s trumpet, hairy thorn apple, Horn of Plenty, Downy Thorn Apple

LOCAL NAMES: Apikan, Ajegun-eegun, gegemu, Furenjuuji

MORPHOLOGY: Datura metel is a annual growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. It is hardy and somewhat furry, having dark violet shoot with ova to broad oval leaves which are often dark violet as well. This species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.

USEFUL PART(S): Leaves, flower, root bark and seeds

GENERAL USES: Medicinal

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Texas

WHY IS IT GREEN: Anaesthetic, anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, antitussive, bronchodilator, hallucinogenic, hypnotic and mydriatic

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: . It is noted for its pleasant scent.

FUN FACT: it is a highly narcotic, producing a stupefying effect that it is not easy to remove. It is also noted for its scent. All part are toxic if ingested

FURTHER READING:

Datura metel. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/datura-metel/

https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/dhattura-datura-metel/

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/datura-metel

Daniellia thurifera

NAME: Daniellia thurifera

FAMILY NAME: Fabaceae

COMMON NAMES: Frankincense tree, Niger Copal Tree, Sierra Leone Frankincense

LOCAL NAMES: Iya

MORPHOLOGY: Daniellia thurifera is a large tree growing up to 45 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be around 40cm in diameter. The stem is long and column-like, hardly tapering; crown fairly small, deltoid, flattened, fairly open

USEFUL PART(S): Stem-wood dust

GENERAL USES: Medicinal, Wood

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo

WHY IS IT GREEN: Scabies, coughs, skin diseases and parasitic infections[

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The wood is used for plywood, joinery, general millwork, furniture components, boxes and crates, a decorative veneer can be produced from selected logs

FUN FACT: Gum exudates from cracks and wounds in the trunk are used to make a varnish called 'West African Gum Copal'. A frankincense, it is sold as a perfume.

The gum when burnt keep away evil spirits.

FURTHER READING:

Govaerts, R. (2000). World Checklist of Seed Plants Database in ACCESS D: 1-30141.

Lock, J.M. (1989). Legumes of Africa a check-list: 1-619. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sita, P. & Moutsambote, J.-M. (2005). Catalogue des plantes vasculaires du Congo, ed. sept. 2005: 1-158. ORSTOM, Centre de Brazzaville.

The International Plant Names Index and World Checklist of Selected Plant Families 2022. Published on the Internet at http://www.ipni.org and http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Daniellia+thurifera

http://www.liberianfaunaflora.org/liberian-flora/leguminosae-caes/3493-daniellia-thurifera

CIRAD Forestry Department, 2009. Faro. [Internet] Tropix 6.0. http://tropix.cirad.fr/africa/faro.pdf. Accessed January 2012.

Daniellia oliveri

NAME: Daniellia oliveri

FAMILY NAME: Fabaceae

COMMON NAMES: African copaiba, Balsam tree, Niger-copal, Maaje

LOCAL NAMES: Iya, Kadaura, Ozabwa, Maje

MORPHOLOGY: Daniellia oliveri is a slow-growing, deciduous tree with a flat-topped, spreading, dense crown; usually growing 9 - 25 metres tall, but with occasional specimens as tall as 45 metres. The cylindrical bole, which can be straight or twisted, can be 150 - 200cm in diameter, unbranched for the first 8 - 10 metres; unbuttressed but with root flutes at the base

USEFUL PART(S): Gum, bark, Leave, Gum

GENERAL USES: Food and Medicinal

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire, Sudan, Uganda

WHY IS IT GREEN: Dysentery, diarrhoea, toothache, urinary infection, stomach troubles, diabetes, dysmenorrhoea, haemorrhoids, astringent, gonorrhoea and skin diseases

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Use as carbon farming

FUN FACT: This species does not fix atmospheric nitrogen

FURTHER READING:

Dave Jacke, Eric Toensmeier. Edible Forest Gardens. Chelsea Green Publishing Co 2015. ISBN: 9781890132606

Fern, Ken. "Daniellia oliveri". Tropical Plants Database. Retrieved 9 June 2019.

Eric Toensmeier. The Carbon Farming Solution. A Global Toolkit of Perennial Crops and Regenerative Agriculture Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Food Security. Chelsea Green Publishing Co. 2016. ISBN: 9781603585712

Lemmens, R.H.M.J.; Louppe, D.; Oteng-Amoako, A.A. Timbers 2. PROTA. pp. 274–278. ISBN 978-92-9081-495-5.

Food Plants International. http://foodplantsinternational.com/plants/

Tomas Remiarz. Forest Gardening in Practice: An Illustrated Practical Guide for Homes, Communities and Enterprises. Permanent Publications. 2017. ISBN: 185623293X

Dalbergiella welwitschii

NAME: Dalbergiella welwitschii

FAMILY NAME: fabaceae

COMMON NAMES: West African black wood

LOCAL NAMES: Emosho-elemosoo, emeso-igangan, afoso,

MORPHOLOGY: Dalbergiella welwitschii is a deciduous, straggling shrub or climbing plant that usually grows 5 - 8 metres tall, but can reach up to 17 metres if it has support. The slender stem is generally around 2cm in diameter, becoming rather flattened with age, with stellately arranged spines in the middle. Often in riverain forest. Flowers pinkish-white or yellow with a large red streak on the standard, fragrant.

USEFUL PART(S): Stem, twigs, roots, leaves

GENERAL USES: Medicine, Wood

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Repu, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Zaïre

WHY IS IT GREEN: Bronchial ailments, purgative, anthelmintic, menstrual disorder.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: None known

FUN FACT: The wood is tough and flexible. It is used traditionally for carving and making drum hoops, toys, household items

FURTHER READING:

Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2008). Plants of Angola Strelitzia 22: 1-279. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.

Govaerts, R. (2000). World Checklist of Seed Plants Database in ACCESS D: 1-30141

Dalbergia saxatilis

NAME: Dalbergia saxatilis

FAMILY NAME: Leguminosae

COMMON NAMES: Flat bean

LOCAL NAMES: Ogundu, Paran, runhun zaki, Obunzizi

MORPHOLOGY: Dalbergia saxatilis is usually a vigorous climbing shrub producing stems up to 20 metres long, though sometimes it remains smaller, growing as a shrub only 2 - 3 metres tall. The stem is usually up to 5cm in diameter near the base, but can occasionally reach 15cm. The branches are very tortuous, with some of them modified as woody spine hooks

USEFUL PART(S): Leaves, bark, roots

GENERAL USES: food and medicinal

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Senegal, DR Congo, Angola

WHY IS IT GREEN: Cough, small pox, skin lesions, bronchial ailments, toothache, treat leprosy, arthritis, rheumatism, small-pox, chicken-pox, measles, dropsy, swellings, oedema

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

FUN FACT: Dalbergia are important timber trees, valued for their decorative and often fragrant wood, rich in aromatic oils and are notorious for causing allergic reactions due to the presence of sensitizing quinones in the wood.

FURTHER READING:

Vatanparast M; Klitgård BB; FACB Adema; Pennington RT; Yahara T; Kajita T (2013). "First molecular phylogeny of the pantropical genus Dalbergia: implications for infrageneric circumscription and biogeography". S Afr J Bot. 89: 143–149. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2013.07.001

Cardoso D; Pennington RT; de Queiroz LP; Boatwright JS; Van Wyk B-E; Wojciechowskie MF; Lavin M (2013). "Reconstructing the deep-branching relationships of the papilionoid legumes". S Afr J Bot. 89: 58–75. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2013.05.001

Dalbergia lactea

NAME: Dalbergia lactea

FAMILY NAME: Leguminosae

COMMON NAMES: Flat bean

LOCAL NAMES: Ojiji, Abinrere

MORPHOLOGY: Small tree or shrub, generally scandent if support available and sometimes with aid of coiled branchlets or peduncles, 3–9 (–25) m. tall, evergreen; bark purplish-brown (at least when dried) and striate on branches, ultimately brown and rather fibrous.

USEFUL PART(S): Bark, stem-dust,

GENERAL USES: Medicine

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique

WHY IS IT GREEN: Pimples, anthelmintic, ease labour, treat hepatitis, arthritis, rheumatism

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: It is a very good material for decorative work and carvings.

FUN FACT: Dalbergia are important timber trees, valued for their decorative and often fragrant wood, rich in aromatic oils and are notorious for causing allergic reactions due to the presence of sensitizing quinones in the wood.

FURTHER READING:

Brummitt, R.K., Harder, D.K., Lewis, G.P., Lock, J.M., Polhill, R.M. & Verdcourt, B. (2007). Leguminosae Subfamily Papilionoideae Flora Zambesiaca 3(3) Pages 74 - 75.

Burrows, J.E. & Willis, C.K. (eds) (2005). Plants of the Nyika Plateau Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 31 SABONET, Pretoria Page 157.

Burrows, J.E., Burrows, S.M., Lötter, M.C. & Schmidt, E. (2018). Trees and Shrubs Mozambique Publishing Print Matters (Pty), Cape Town. Page 297.

Chapano, C. & Mamuto, M. (2003). Plants of the Chimanimani District National Herbarium and Botanic Garden, Zimbabwe Page 20.

Dacryodes edulis

NAME: Dacryodes edulis 

FAMILY NAME: Burseraceae

COMMON NAMES: Native pear, African plum, Bush butter tree

LOCAL NAMES: Elemi, Ube

MORPHOLOGY: Dacryodes edulis is a medium-sized, evergreen tree attaining a height of 18-40 m. The bole is rather short, slightly fluted, 50-170 cm in diameter and more or less sinuous. The scented, pale grey, rough bark exudes a whitish resin.

USEFUL PART(S): Bark, leaves, fruits, Gum or resin

GENERAL USES: Serves as food

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, Malaysia

WHY IS IT GREEN: Jiggars, skin diseases, acute malaria, anthelmintics, astringent, wounds, clearing pregnancy stretch marks, elephantiasis.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The plant is used as an ornamental plant and is known to improve soil quality by providing large quantities of biomass.

FUN FACT: The trees are male, female, or hermaphroditic

FURTHER READING:

Orwa C, A Mutua, Kindt R , Jamnadass R, S Anthony. 2009 Agroforestree Database:a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0 (http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sites/treedbs/treedatabases.asp)

Anegbeh PO, Ladipo DO, Tchoundjeu Z. 2005. Using marcotting technique for fruit development in the African pear Dacryodes Edulis: Scientia Africana. 4(1&2):102-108.

Simons AJ, Leakey RRB. 2004. Tree domestication in tropical agroforestry: Agroforestry Systems. 61:167-181.

Anegbeh PO, Ukafor V, Usoro C, Tchoundjeu Z, Leakey RRB, Schreckenberg K. 2005. Domestication of Dacryodes edulis: 1. phenotypic variation of fruit traits from 100 trees in southeast Nigeria: New Forest. 29(2):149-160

CABI. 2000. Global Forestry Compendium. CD-ROM. CABI

FAO. 1982. Fruit-bearing forest trees: technical notes. FAO-Forestry-Paper. No. 34. 177 pp

Abelmoschus esculentus

NAME: Abelmoschus esculentus

FAMILY: Malvaceae

COMMON NAME: Okra, lady's finger, Gumbo

LOCAL NAME: Ila, okweje, kubewa

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Semi woody and sometimes pigmented with a green or reddish tinges color. It is erect, variable in branching, with many short branches that are attached to thick semi woody stem. Leaf is 10–20 cm long, cordate (heart-shaped), simple and broad, palmately lobed with 5–7 lobes and is dark green in color and resembles a maple leaf. Flower is 4–8 cm in diameter, with five white to yellow petals, often with a red or purple spot at the base of each petal. Fruit Shape and Size is cylindrical capsule, 5–35 cm long, with longitudinal ribs down its length, hispid covered with fine hairs. Fruit Color is yellowish green to green, but is sometimes purple or white.

USEFUL PART(S): Fruit, seeds, Leaves

GENERAL USES: Serves as an aid for pain, aid for complications relative to urinating, moisturizers on the skin!, and it is also used as an aid for safe and comfortable childbirth.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: China, India, Pakistan

WHY IS IT GREEN: Fevers, gonorrhoea, dysentery, catarrhal infections, emollient, antispasmodic, tonic.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

FUN FACT: It is extremely rich in essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins so it is used in several traditional medicines as well as used in many food dishes as well since ancient time

FURTHER READING:

Dehghan Shahreza F. (2015). Hibiscus esculentus and diabetes mellitus. Journal of nephropharmacology, 5(2), 104-105. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297561/

Huang, C. N., Wang, C. J., Lin, C. L., Lin, H. T., & Peng, C. H. (2017). The nutraceutical benefits of subfractions of Abelmoschus esculentus in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. PloS one, 12(12), e0189065. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0189065, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29216237

Khatun, H., Rahman, A., Biswas, M., & Islam, A. U. (2011). Water-soluble Fraction of Abelmoschus esculentus L Interacts with Glucose and Metformin Hydrochloride and Alters Their Absorption Kinetics after Coadministration in Rats. ISRN pharmaceutics, 2011, 260537. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263724/

Sami, R., Lianzhou, J., Yang, L., Ma, Y., & Jing, J. (2013). Evaluation of fatty acid and amino acid compositions in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) grown in different geographical locations. BioMed research international, 2013, 574283. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2013/574283/

Okra Health Benefits | Abelmoschus esculentus

Sabitha, V., Ramachandran, S., Naveen, K. R., & Panneerselvam, K. (2012). Investigation of in vivo antioxidant property of Abelmoschus esculentus (L) moench. fruit seed and peel powders in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 3(4), 188-93. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3545238/

Wahyuningsih, S., Pramudya, M., Putri, I. P., Winarni, D., Savira, N., & Darmanto, W. (2018). Crude Polysaccharides from Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus) Grown in Indonesia Enhance the Immune Response due to Bacterial Infection. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2018, 8505383. doi:10.1155/2018/8505383, Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aps/2018/8505383/

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.

Peperomia pellucida

eattheweed.com

NAME: Peperomia pellucida    

FAMILY: Piperaceae

COMMON NAMES: Man to man, pepper elder, shiny bush plant

LOCAL NAMES: Salad Peperomia, cao hu jiao, ewe rinirin  

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  Peperomia pellucida is a slender, shallow-rooted herb that can be wild or cultivated. It is an annual plant usually growing to a height of about 6 to 18 inches, it is characterized by its glossy, light-green fleshy leaves, and succulent stems that root at the nodes and fruiting spikes with dot-like seeds.

USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, Stems and roots

GENERAL USES:

• The plant is grown as a food

• Ornamental Purpose

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Central and South America, China, Nigeria, Angola, Zambia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Gout

• Arthritis

• Antibacterial

• Prostate Enlargement Problem

• Fever

• Eye inflammation

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The plant produces seed abundantly and easily naturalized as a weed in many parts of the tropics.

FUN FACT

The plant species interferes with prostaglandin synthesis.

FURTHER READINGS

Kartika, I. G. A. A., Insanu, M., Safitri, D., Putri, C. A., & Adnyana, I. K. (2016). New update: Traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicity review of peperomia pellucida (l.) kunth. In Pharmacologyonline.

Majumder, P., Abraham, P., & Satya, V. (2011). Research Journal of Pharmaceutical , Biological and Chemical Sciences REVIEW ARTICLE Ethno-medicinal , Phytochemical and Pharmacological review of an amazing. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Oloyede, G. K., Onocha, P. A., & Olaniran, B. B. (2011). Phytochemical, toxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant screening of leaf extracts of Peperomia pellucida from Nigeria. Advances in Environmental Biology.

Sonibare, M. A., Moody, J. O., & Adesanya, E. O. (2009). Use of medicinal plants for the treatment of measles in Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.01.004

Wei, L. S., Wee, W., Siong, J. Y. F., & Syamsumir, D. F. (2011). Characterization of anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and chemical compositions of Peperomia pellucida leaf extract. Acta Medica Iranica.

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.

Antidesma bunius

Useful Tropical Plants - Ken Fern

NAME: Antidesma bunius       

FAMILY: Phyllanthaceae

COMMON NAMES: Boni fruit, Chinese Laurel fruit

LOCAL NAMES: Buah Buni, Bignay

MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:  

Antidesma bunius is a variable plant which may be short and shrubby or tall and erect, with an oval-shaped, berry-like fruit.

USEFUL PART(s): Fruits

GENERAL USES:

• The fruit may be eaten raw.

• Fruits are used for making wine, tea, jams and jellies.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:

Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, Philippine, China, Thailand,  Malaysia

WHY IS IT GREEN?

• Anemia

• Heart disorders

• Snake bites

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Can serve as an ornamental plant.

FUN FACT

The ripe fruit is sweet, but a bitter aftertaste will still be perceived.  

FURTHER READINGS

Belmi, R. M., Giron, J., & Tansengco, M. L. (2014). Antidesma Bunius (Bignay) Fruit Extract As an Organic Pesticide Against Epilachna Spp. Journal of Asian Scientific Research Journal of Asian Scientific Research Special Issue: International Conference on Emerging Trends in Scientific Research Journal of Asian Scientific Research.

El-Tantawy, W. H., Soliman, N. D., El-Naggar, D., & Shafei, A. (2015). Investigation of antidiabetic action of Antidesma bunius extract in type 1 diabetes. Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry. https://doi.org/10.3109/13813455.2015.1038278

Extraction and Stability Test of Anthocyanin from Buni Fruits (Antidesma Bunius L) as an Alternative Natural and Safe Food Colorants. (2013). Extraction and Stability Test of Anthocyanin from Buni Fruits (Antidesma Bunius L) as an Alternative Natural and Safe Food Colorants. https://doi.org/10.14499/jfps

Hamidu, L., Ahmad, A. R., & Najib, A. (2018). Qualitative and quantitative test of total flavonoid buni fruit (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng) with UV-Vis spectrophotometry method. Pharmacognosy Journal. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2018.1.12

Kassem, M., Hashim, A., & Hassanein, H. (2013). Bioactivity of Antidesma bunius leaves (Euphorbiaceae) and their major phenolic constituents. European Scientific Journal.

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.