Azanza garckeana
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Scientific Classification: ·
Kingdom:Plantae ·
Clade: Tracheophytes ·
Clade: Angiosperms ·
Clade: Eudicots ·
Clade: Rosids ·
Order: Malvales ·
Family:Malvaceae ·
Genus: Thespesia ·
Species:T. garckeana Synonyms:
Species ID: NMP-260;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 183380;wfo-0000557987 Common Names: African chewing gum, goron tula (Hausa), snot apple, tree hibiscus, mutohwe (Shona), nkole (Sri Lanka), uXakuxaku (isiNdebele) and morojwa (Setswana). Description: Azanza garckeana is a small, semi-deciduous tree that can reach heights of 3 to 10 meters. It features a roundish crown with young branches covered in soft, shaggy hairs that become smoother and gray to brown as they age. The leaves are simple, with 3 to 5 lobes and 5 to 7 veins from the base, and a longitudinal slit on the midrib. The flowers are large, up to 6 cm in diameter, with crinkly yellow petals that age to orange-red, each with a maroon patch at the base. The fruits are round, woody capsules about 35 mm in diameter, divided into 5 sections, and contain edible, sweet brown flesh. Distribution and Habitat: Azanza garckeana is found throughout the warmer parts of Southern Africa, including countries such as Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. It grows in open woodlands, wooded grasslands, thickets, and riverine vegetation, typically at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The species is often found on or near termite mounds in old fields. Medicinal Properties: Azanza garckeana has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including chest pains, cough, infertility, liver problems, menstruation issues, sexually transmitted infections, and as an aphrodisiac. The fruit is also used to prepare syrups and soups. Phytochemical analyses have identified compounds such as alkaloids, amino acids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, cyanogenic glucosides, flavonoids, lipids, phenols, saponins, and tannins in the plant. Known Toxicity: While Azanza garckeana is widely used for its medicinal properties, it is important to note that the seeds contain cyanogenic glucosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Therefore, caution should be exercised, and the seeds should not be consumed. Additional Information: The fruit of Azanza garckeana is edible and has a sweet, chewy taste, earning it the nickname "African chewing gum." The fruit is consumed fresh or dried and stored for later use, often added to porridge or used as a relish. The tree is also valued for its ornamental appeal, especially its symmetrical, tiered branching pattern, making it a popular choice for urban landscaping. The leaves and roots have medicinal properties, and the wood is used for small building needs, tool handles, and domestic items such as spoons. References:
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