Allanblackia parviflora

Allanblackia parviflora
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Clusiaceae
Genus:	Allanblackia
Species:	A. parviflora
Binomial name
	Allanblackia parviflora; A.Chev.

Allanblackia parviflora is a medium sized deciduous forest tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae.

Description

The tree is capable of growing up to 30 m (100 ft) in height and with a diameter that can occasionally reach 80 cm (31 in). The trunk is cylindrical while the bark is reddish to brown and sometimes scaly; the crown is narrow with glossy large leaves.^[1] Leaflets are elliptical in shape up to 25 cm (10 in) long and 9 cm (3.5 in) wide. Flowers are fragrant and are pink, reddish or creamy.^[2] Fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, up to 50 cm (20 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide with brown warts.^[2]

Distribution

The species is native to Tropical West Africa and occurs from Guinea westwards to Ghana.^[2] It is commonly found along slopes in evergreen forests along the coast of West Africa but can also be found in moist semi-deciduous forests.

Chemistry

Studies conducted on seed extracts of the plant indicate a high fatty oil yield, with oleic and stearic acids the dominant fatty acid contents of the seeds.^[2]

Uses

In Liberia its wood is used in carpentry work and in other parts of West Africa it is considered suitable as a shade tree in cocoa farms. In traditional medicine, stem bark extracts is used in pain management.^[2]

Oil obtained from the seed is also used for cooking.

References

^ Ofori, D. A.; Peprah, T.; Cobbinah, J. R.; Atchwerebour, H. A.; Osabutey, F.; Tchoundjeu, Z.; Simons, A. J.; Jamnadass, R. (2011). "Germination requirements of Allanblackia parviflora seeds and early growth of seedlings". New Forests. 41 (3): 337–348. doi:10.1007/s11056-011-9252-1. ISSN 0169-4286.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Vossen, H. A. M. van der, ed. (2007). Vegetable oils. Plant resources of tropical Africa. Wageningen: PROTA. pp. 28–30. ISBN 978-90-5782-192-9.

[1] Ofori, D. A.; Peprah, T.; Cobbinah, J. R.; Atchwerebour, H. A.; Osabutey, F.; Tchoundjeu, Z.; Simons, A. J.; Jamnadass, R. (2011). "Germination requirements of Allanblackia parviflora seeds and early growth of seedlings". New Forests. 41 (3): 337–348. doi:10.1007/s11056-011-9252-1. ISSN 0169-4286.

[:0-2] Vossen, H. A. M. van der, ed. (2007). Vegetable oils. Plant resources of tropical Africa. Wageningen: PROTA. pp. 28–30. ISBN 978-90-5782-192-9.

[1]

[2]