Balanites wilsoniana

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Balanites wilsoniana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Zygophyllales
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus: Balanites
Species:
B. wilsoniana
Binomial name
Balanites wilsoniana
Dawe & Sprague [1]
Synonyms[1]

Balanites tieghemii A.Chev.

Balanites wilsoniana is a species of fruit-bearing tree from west and central Africa from the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae).

Description

Balanites wilsoniana, commonly called the Boko Tree, is a tall

bifoliate, (two, one-inch (2.5 cm) leaves on a common stalk) and are frequently slightly unequal-sided at their base.[3] The buttresses can sometime be spiny, the trunk can grow to 1m (three feet) in diameter and the tree can grow to 30-40m in height, with an irregular crown.[4] It has yellow green flowers borne in stalked clusters, the petals are pubescent on their inner surface. The fruit is a green drupe, 6–10 cm in length, ripening to yellow and has an unpleasant smell. A fibrous coat surrounds the stone.[5] The stone, or seed, is up to 8.8 cm (3.46 inches) in length by 4.7 cm (1.81 inches) in diameter; one of the largest seeds known.[6]

Distribution

Balanites wilsoniana is found from

Democratic Republic of Congo.[4] but has been recorded west of Ghana in Liberia.[3]

Habitat

Balanites wilsoniana is a found in semi-deciduous or evergreen rainforest, humid forest, lowland

riverine forest, and also in coastal forest in Angola. It normally forms part of quite speciose associations; especially where there are clay-rich substrates. It occurs at elevations up to 1,200 metres above sea level.[4]

Ecology

The fallen fruits of Balanites wilsoniana are eaten by

disperse the seeds, and juvenile trees are only recorded away from the adult trees in forests where elephants are present.[7]

Uses

A cooking oil is extracted from the seeds of Balanites wilsoniana, the seeds are pounded then boiled in water to extract the oil which is skimmed off the water once cooled. A healing, soothing ointment is made of the oil, as well as being used as a lubricant.[4]

Despite its unpleasant smell, the fruit is regarded as edible.[4]

A

bilharzia in humans) as well as killing the larval stages of the parasite.[5]

The wood of Balanites wilsoniana is fairly heavy, straight-grained and soft, initially it is white in colour but yellows with time. It is easily worked, polishes well, and is a suitable timber for building poles, carving, the handles of tools, spoons, walking sticks, furniture such as stools and grain mortars. It is also used for fuel and for making charcoal.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Balanites wilsoniana Dawe & Sprague". The Plant List. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  2. ^ Keay, R.W.J.; Onochie, C.F.D. (1960). Nigerian Trees. Lagos: Federal Gov't Printing. p. 247.
  3. ^ a b "Balanites wilsoniana". Information about Liberian conservation research. Fauna & Flora of Liberia. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Balanites wilsoniana". Useful Tropical Plants. Ken Fern. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  5. ^
    ISBN 978-1482250640
    .
  6. S2CID 44759915
    .
  7. S2CID 84574735
    .
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