Greenwayodendron suaveolens
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Greenwayodendron suaveolens Common Names: African Teak, Polished Teak, Scented
Greenway Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Magnoliids Order: Magnoliales Family: Annonaceae Genus: Greenwayodendron Species: G. suaveolens Synonyms: Polyalthia suaveolens Engl. & Diels, Cleistopholis suaveolens (Engl. & Diels) Engl. & Diels Morphological Description Greenwayodendron suaveolens is a deciduous tree typically growing 10–27 m tall
(occasionally up to 45 m), with a trunk diameter of 30–50 cm at breast height
(rarely 90 cm). Its key morphological features include: · Bark: Pale to dark grey, smooth, occasionally flaking in older
trees, with a fibrous inner layer. · Branchlets: Young shoots densely covered with yellowish, spreading
hairs, becoming adpressed pubescent, then glabrescent or glabrous and wrinkled
with age. · Leaves: Oblong-elliptic to elliptic, 4–12 cm long (rarely 28 cm),
1.6–5.4 cm wide (rarely 10 cm), acute to long-acuminate apex, cuneate or
rounded base, papery to coriaceous, glabrous above except midrib, pubescent
beneath when young. · Flowers: Polygamous, extra-axillary or leaf-opposed, solitary or in
fascicles of 2–12, lemon-yellow to greenish-white; petals linear-oblong,
0.6–2.8 cm long, densely pubescent; stamens 20–40 (male) or 5–12
(hermaphrodite); carpels 13–20. · Fruit: Monocarps 2–13, purplish-red to dark brown, glossy,
ellipsoid to globose, 1.2–1.8 cm long, 1–2-seeded, tuberculate-rugose surface;
seeds straw-colored to chestnut, 1–1.2 cm diameter. The species’ fragrant
flowers and glossy fruit distinguish it within the Annonaceae family (Lissambou
et al., 2019). Distribution and Habitat Greenwayodendron suaveolens is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, spanning: · West Africa: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria (annual rainfall 1,200–2,500
mm). · Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Angola (altitude 0–1,200 m). It inhabits evergreen
and semi-deciduous forests, riverine zones, and swampy areas, thriving in
moist, well-drained soils (pH 5.0–6.5). It tolerates partial shade and is often
found in secondary forests (Verdcourt, 1971). Ethnopharmacology Greenwayodendron suaveolens is extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Its bark
decoctions address ailments such as stomachaches, gonorrhea, infertility, and
are used as diuretics, purgatives, and aphrodisiacs; externally, the bark
treats rheumatism, headaches, epilepsy, and toothaches. Root preparations
combat liver issues, headaches, edema, and serve as anthelmintics and
aphrodisiacs, while leaf decoctions are employed for hepatitis and pain relief,
with external applications for rheumatism. Among the Aka people, the leaves,
known as "motunga," are smoked recreationally and brewed as tea,
potentially offering anthelmintic benefits. Scientific studies have
corroborated some traditional uses, revealing antiprotozoal activity against
Plasmodium falciparum, significant analgesic properties, and antibacterial
efficacy against pathogens like Klebsiella
pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. · Analgesic/Anti-inflammatory: Bark decoctions treat stomachache and
rheumatism in Nigeria. · Antimalarial: Bark is applied to scarifications in Cameroon and Gabon. Muganza
et al. (2016) confirmed The root bark extract showed the highest activity
against P. falciparum K1 (IC50 0.26µg/mL) along with the stem bark alkaloid
fraction (IC50 0.27µg/mL). The root bark alkaloid fraction had a pronounced
activity against all selected protozoa with IC50 values <1µg/mL. The 90%
methanol fractions of the different plant parts showed a pronounced activity
against P. falciparum K1, with IC50 values ranging between 0.36µg/mL and
0.69µg/mL., supporting its use. · Anthelmintic: Root sap expels worms among the Aka. Akoègninou et al.
(2006) noted its use in Benin, though specific compounds remain unidentified. · Aphrodisiac/Fertility: Root and bark decoctions enhance libido
and treat infertility in DR Congo. Bouquet (1969) documented these practices,
with flavonoids potentially involved. · Hepatoprotective: Leaf decoctions treat hepatitis in Gabon Phytochemicals include
alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, driving its bioactivity (Ngbolua et al.,
2016). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No acute toxicity is reported at traditional
doses. High doses of bark extracts (>1,000 mg/kg) in rats caused mild
hepatotoxicity (ALT up 25%) after 14 days. The milky sap may irritate skin or
eyes (Akoègninou et al., 2006). Additional Uses · Timber: Hard, durable wood used for construction, furniture, and
veneer; burns brightly for illumination (Verdcourt, 1971). · Culinary: Edible fruits are consumed locally; leaves smoked
recreationally by the Aka (Odonne et al., 2013). · Ornamental: Fragrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a potential
garden plant (Green Institute, 2023). References
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| Compounds of Greenwayodendron suaveolens |
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