Zanha africana
| Zanha africana | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Zanha |
| Species: | Z. africana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Zanha africana | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Zanha africana, commonly known as the velvet-fruited zanha in English and as mkalya or mkwanga in
timber and herbal medicine
.
Distribution and habitat
Z. africana is native to
riparian forests at altitudes of 600–1,550 m (1,970–5,090 ft).[2]
Description
Z. africana is a shrub or small tree growing to 12–17 m (39–56 ft) tall. The
style. The stamens number between 4 and 6, each measuring 10 mm (0.39 in) long. The fruit is a yellow to orange drupe, measuring 3 cm (1.2 in) by 2 cm (0.79 in) and covered with a layer of velvety hairs. The seed is ellipsoid and measures 1.5 cm (0.59 in) by 1 cm (0.39 in).[2]
Ecology
Z. africana is a deciduous perennial that sheds most of its leaves during the dry season. Flowering occurs from October to December, with fruits maturing from November to January. The fruits are eaten by birds, chimpanzees, and monkeys, and the nectar is valued as a food source for honey bees. Cattle, goats, and sheep browse on the leaves.[2]
Uses
The wood of Z. africana is hard, durable, and somewhat resistant to attacks by
intestinal parasites, nausea, respiratory problems, and sexually transmitted infections.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Zanha africana (Radlk.) Exell". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d Mojeremane, W. (2011). Lemmens, R.H.M.J.; Louppe, D.; Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (eds.). "Zanha africana (Radlk.) Exell". PROTA4U. Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- (PDF) from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2024.