Brachystegia nigerica

Brachystegia nigerica

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Rosids
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Genus: Brachystegia
  • Species: B. nigerica

Synonyms:

Species ID: NMP-264;wfo-0000213937;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 2879473

Common Names:

·       Okwen (Edo)

  • Agunri or Eku (Yoruba)
  • Achi (Igbo)

Basic Description: Brachystegia nigerica is an evergreen tree characterized by a dense, spreading crown, reaching heights up to 36 meters. The bole is unbuttressed, with a diameter of up to 100 cm. The tree produces large, purplish-brown to black, oblong flat pods containing an average of four dark brown, disk-shaped seeds. Fruiting typically occurs between October and December, and in June.

Distribution and Habitat: Brachystegia nigerica is endemic to southern Nigeria and parts of Cameroon, thriving in high wet forest areas. It is often found near water sources, such as stream valleys, and on hill slopes. The species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion.

Medicinal Properties: There is limited documentation on the medicinal uses of Brachystegia nigerica. However, related species within the Brachystegia genus are known for various traditional medicinal applications, suggesting potential ethnobotanical significance.

Known Toxicity: No known toxicity has been associated with Brachystegia nigerica. However, as with many plant species, it is advisable to exercise caution and consult local knowledge before utilizing any part of the tree for consumption or medicinal purposes.

Additional Information:

  • Conservation Status: Brachystegia nigerica is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss.
  • Uses: The wood of Brachystegia nigerica is utilized locally for construction purposes, such as poles in hut construction, and sometimes for parquet flooring, decorative veneer, and general joinery. It is also used for fuel and charcoal production.
  • Propagation: Seeds are recalcitrant and exhibit a germination period of 14–21 days, with a germination percentage of 55–60%. Soaking seeds in water for one day may enhance germination rates. Wildlings are often found along trails in forested areas with parent trees, indicating that seedlings respond well to higher light levels.

References:

  1. Forest Center. (2019). Brachystegia nigerica. Retrieved from https://forestcenter.iita.org/index.php/2019/07/24/brachystegia-nigerica/
  2. Useful Tropical Plants. (n.d.). Brachystegia nigerica. Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Brachystegia+nigerica
  3. Wikipedia contributors. (2021). Brachystegia nigerica. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachystegia_nigerica

External links

  1. https://forestcenter.iita.org/index.php/2019/07/24/brachystegia-nigerica/
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachystegia_nigerica
  3. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000213937
  4. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:482242-1
  5. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Brachystegia%20nigerica
  6. https://www.gbif.org/species/2952680
  7. https://plants.jstor.org/stable/10.5555/al.ap.upwta.3_124
  8. https://plants.jstor.org/compilation/brachystegia.nigerica
Compounds of Brachystegia nigerica
References

Ogunwande, I. A., Essien, E. E., Ogunbinu, A. O., Adebayo, M., Karioti, A., Saroglou, V., & Skaltsa, H. (2008). Essential Oil Constituents of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre Ex Engl (Irvingiaceae), Brachystegia nigerica Hoyle et A. Jones (Caesalpinioideae) and Acalypha segetalis (Muell.) Arg.,(Euphorbiaceae) a. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 20(3), 211-215.