Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Order: Commelinales
• Family: Commelinaceae
• Genus: Palisota
• Species: P. hirsuta

Synonyms

• Dracaena hirsuta Thunb.
• Dianella triandra Wennberg
• Palisota maclaudii Cornu
• Palisota thyrsostachya Mildbr.
• Palisota waibelii Mildbr.

Species ID: NMP-243;wfo-0000488639

Common Names:

kpuoke in Mano from Liberia; tologbelo and tundui in Kissi from Sierra Leone; dondre, kogboago, and kogloago in Guere from Ivory Coast; akwabe, mpentemi, and some-nini in Twi from Ghana; duebo and senzedu in Manding-Maninka from Ivory Coast; diessanara and guessan clan in Akan-Asante from Ivory Coast; woza wona in Kyama from Ivory Coast; zomehini in Brong from Ivory Coast; kumbe and tumbe in Manding-Mandinka from Sierra Leone; ikpele oku in Igbo (Awka) from Nigeria; tonton in Kweni from Ivory Coast; kosakumbegine, kosaxumbe, and kosegbi in Susu from Sierra Leone; ighiguewe in Edo from Nigeria; gonkobiessoa, guessanuhama, niessanounama, nissanganama, and wokuesua in Baule from Ivory Coast; blekolopiti, brikro fefe, and luebo in Guere (Chiehn) from Ivory Coast; tologbelo in Vulgar from Sierra Leone; akerejupon, jangborokun, and ojo in Yoruba from Nigeria; ansita in Temne from Sierra Leone; adutsyrfoti and sumbe in Gbe-Vhe from Ghana; sombenyin in Fante from Ghana; wuchakpe in Akye from Ivory Coast; ndomu in Mende from Sierra Leone; akporo onye and ikpere aturu in Igbo (Umuahia) from Nigeria; lebo in Nekedie from Ivory Coast; nelewa in Kru from Ivory Coast; zomesagan and zumesan in Kulango from Ivory Coast; toagumbe and toawombi in Loko from Sierra Leone; tigugale kidika in Banyun from Senegal; nakutchorpor in Nekedie from Ghana; ikpele atulu in Igbo (Onitsha) from Nigeria; kor-dru-boe in Kru-Bassa from Liberia; nzahuara in Nzema from Ghana; kokurum boke in Kru-Bete from Ivory Coast; genkulu in Dan from Ivory Coast; some nini in Akan-Asante from Ghana; zokwo in Gagu from Ivory Coast; and branbran in Abure from Ivory Coast.

Local Names: Ikpele oku - Igbo (Awka) Akporo onye, Ikpere aturu, Ikpele aturu (Sheeps knee) -  Igbo Ighiguewe - Edo Akerejupon, Jangborokun, Ojo - Yorub

Description

Palisota hirsuta is characterized by:

• Growth Form: A perennial herb with a rosette of leaves.
• Leaves: Broad, hairy leaves that contribute to its common name.
• Flowers: Small, white to purplish flowers that open from late afternoon until dusk.
• Habitat: Prefers moist, shady environments, often found in forest understories.

The plant's hairy leaves and late-afternoon blooming flowers are notable features.

Distribution and Habitat

Palisota hirsuta is native to:

• West and Central Africa: Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It thrives in:

• Seasonally Dry Tropical Biomes: Commonly found in moist, shady habitats such as forest understories and along riverbanks.

Medicinal Properties

Traditional uses of Palisota hirsuta include:

• Treatment of Urinary Disorders: Utilized in herbal remedies for urinary tract issues.

Known Toxicity

There are no widely reported toxic effects associated with Palisota hirsuta. However, as with all medicinal plants, it is advisable to consult knowledgeable practitioners before any medicinal use.

Additional Information

Palisota hirsuta is also known for:

• Ornamental Use: Its broad, hairy leaves make it a popular choice for ornamental planting in gardens.

References

1. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000488702
2. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:172918-1
3. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:172918-1

• β - Cyclocitral
• α-Caryophyllene (3-Carene)
• α-calacorene
• α-Bisabolol
• α.-Copaene
• Z-α-Bisabolene
• Z-9-Octadecanamide
• trans-Geranylgeraniol
• Tetradecanoic acid
• Tetradecanal
• p-Xylene
• Pentadecanoic acid
• n-Nonaldehyde
• Linalool, (+/-)-
• Ledol
• Palmitic Acid
• Heptenal
• D-Limonene
• Butylacetate
• Benzaldehyde
• o-Cymene
• Methylcyclohexane
• L-isopulegol
• Lilac-aldehyde-B
• L - α - Terpineol
• Isobutylacetate
• Hexenal
• E-2-Hexenal
• Caryophyllene
• alpha-Pinene
• 7-Octen-2-one
• 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-one (Sulcatone)
• 2-Pentyl furan
• 2-Heptanone
• 2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-ethanol
• 2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-actaldehyde
• 2,6,10-Trimethyl tetradecane
• (Z, Z)-Farnesylacetone
• 2,4-Decadienal
• (E)-β-Damascenone
• (E)-α-Ionone
• Geranylacetone
• Citral
• (E)-2-Nonenal
• (E)-2-Decenal
• (+)-Ledene

Aboaba, S. A., & Choudhary, I. M. (2015). Chemical composition and biological activities of the volatile oils of Palisota hirsuta (Thunb) K. Schum and Trema orientalis (L) Blume. International Journal of Chemistry, 7(2), 21.