Boswellia dalzielii

Boswellia dalzielii

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophyta
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Order: Sapindales
  • Family: Burseraceae
  • Genus: Boswellia
  • Species: B. dalzielii

Synonyms:

Species ID: NMP-268;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 2303552;wfo-0000569696

Common Names:

(Frankincense tree) in English, (Arbre a encens) in French, (Pianwogu, Pienwogu) in Dagaari (Burkina Faso), (Condrenyogho, Goneniogo, Komhenyegho, Kubre niango) in Moore (Burkina Faso), (Pianwogu, Pienwogu) in Dagbani (Ghana), (Kabona) in Guang-Nchumbulu (Ghana), (Andakehi gorki) in Fula-Fulfulde (Niger), (Hano) in Hausa (Niger), (Juguhi) in Fula-Fulfulde Adamawa (Nigeria), (Anndakehi, Janawhi, Shabilabi) in Fulfulde (Nigeria), (Ararrabi, Ba-samu, Cibdi, Dan magami, Hanoo, Hanoo kai, Kadayan, Tarmasika) in Hausa (Nigeria), (Chibdi) in Hausa West (Nigeria), and (Kafi dukkan) in Kanuri (Nigeria).

Local Names:

(Juguhi) in Fula-Fulfulde Adamawa, (Anndakehi, Janawhi, Shabilabi) in Fulfulde, (Ararrabi, Ba-samu, Cibdi, Dan magami, Hanoo, Hanoo kai, Kadayan, Tarmasika) in Hausa, (Chibdi) in Hausa West, and (Kafi dukkan) in Kanuri.

Basic Description:

Boswellia dalzielii is a deciduous tree that typically grows between 4 to 15 meters in height. It is characterized by its pale, papery bark that peels off in ragged strips, revealing a greenish underbark. The tree has slender, ascending branches and produces small, fragrant white flowers, often while leafless. The leaves are pinnate, comprising several pairs of leaflets.

Distribution and Habitat:

This species is native to West and Central Africa, with its range extending from northern Côte d'Ivoire to northern Nigeria and Cameroon. It thrives in wooded savannas and is often found on granitic hills, preferring dry, shallow soils. In Nigeria, it is commonly found in the northern regions, sometimes forming pure stands with Anogeissus leiocarpus.

Medicinal Properties:

Boswellia dalzielii is highly valued in traditional African medicine:

  • Bark Decoction: Used as an antiseptic wash for sores and as a treatment for leprosy. It is also employed to alleviate fever, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Cold Infusion: Administered as a remedy for snakebites.
  • Root Decoction: Combined with Hibiscus sabdariffa, it is consumed to treat syphilis.
  • Resin: The oleo-gum-resin exuded from the bark contains boswellic acids, known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has been used in fumigatory preparations and sometimes in plasters and urinary antiseptics.

Known Toxicity:

There are no widely documented toxic effects associated with Boswellia dalzielii when used appropriately in traditional medicine. However, as with all medicinal plants, caution is advised, and it should be used under the guidance of knowledgeable practitioners to avoid potential adverse effects.

Additional Information:

  • Cultural Significance: The resin is burned as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies. It is also used to fumigate clothing and living spaces to repel insects like flies and mosquitoes.
  • Economic Importance: The tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental in northern parts of Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Its resin, similar to frankincense, has potential economic value in the fragrance and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Conservation Status: While specific conservation assessments for Boswellia dalzielii are limited, habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal and aromatic uses could pose threats to its populations. Sustainable harvesting practices are recommended to ensure its continued availability.

References:

  1. Kew Science. (n.d.). Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:127040-1
  2. Useful Tropical Plants. (n.d.). Boswellia dalzielii. Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Boswellia+dalzielii
  3. Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Boswellia dalzielii. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boswellia_dalzielii
  4. Wikispecies contributors. (2024). Boswellia dalzielii. In Wikispecies. Retrieved from https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Boswellia_dalzielii

External Links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boswellia_dalzielii
  2. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:127040-1
  3. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Boswellia+dalzielii
  4. https://plants.jstor.org/stable/10.5555/al.ap.upwta.1_597
  5. https://www.gbif.org/species/157099261
  6. https://www.gbif.org/species/5636150

More Pictures
Compounds of Boswellia dalzielii
References

Kubmarawa, D., Ogunwande, I. A., Okorie, D. A., Olawore, N. O., & Kasali, A. A. (2006). Constituents of the essential oils of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. from Nigeria. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 18(2), 119-120.