Klainedoxa gabonensis
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Klainedoxa gabonensis Common Names: Klainedoxa, African Mahogany Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Irvingiaceae Genus: Klainedoxa Species: K. gabonensis Synonyms: Anonagabonensis, Planchonella gabonensis, Pouteria gabonensis, Vitellaria gabonensis Morphological Description Klainedoxa gabonensis is a towering evergreen tree of African rainforests, growing
30–50 m tall, with a straight, cylindrical bole up to 120 cm in diameter, often
unbranched for 20–25 m. Its key features include: · Trunk: Buttressed up to 5 m high, with dense wood (specific gravity
0.91–1.15), light brown sapwood, and reddish to golden-brown heartwood with
dark veining. · Leaves: Alternate, simple, elliptic to oblong, 10–25 cm long, 5–10
cm wide, glossy dark green, with bright red young leaves bearing linear
stipules (shed early). · Flowers: Small, purple to reddish, 5–8 mm long, in axillary panicles,
blooming vibrantly in the rainy season. · Fruit: Ovoid drupes, 5–7 cm long, green to yellow, with fibrous
pulp, dispersed by elephants and primates (Fern, 2024). The tree’s expansive
crown and durable timber make it a standout species (Burkill, 1994). Distribution and Habitat Klainedoxa gabonensis spans tropical Africa, from Senegal to Sudan, south to
Angola and Zambia, thriving in: · West Africa: Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria. · Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo. It prefers humid lowland
rainforests, riverbanks, and semi-deciduous forests (200–1,200 m altitude), on
well-drained loamy soils (pH 5.0–6.5) (Harris, 1996). Ethnopharmacology Klainedoxa gabonensis, a tropical African tree, is
traditionally used to treat various ailments. Its bark is applied to rheumatic
joints for its analgesic properties and used in decoctions for infections like
smallpox and chickenpox. The leaves serve as aphrodisiacs and remedies for
stomach aches. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of tannins,
alkaloids, quinones, and steroid terpenoids. Scientific studies have
demonstrated its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, antioxidant properties, and cytotoxic effects
against human tumor cells, supporting its traditional medicinal applications. · Analgesic: Bark paste with clay treats rheumatism in Nigeria. · Antimicrobial: Bark decoctions combat buccal infections and smallpox in
Cameroon. Wansi et al. (2010) reported stem bark fractions (MIC 25–50 μg/ml)
active against Staphylococcus aureus, linked to ellagic acid. · Aphrodisiac: Young leaves with palm kernels enhance libido in Ghana.
Burkill (1994) notes traditional use, though pharmacological validation is
pending. · Anti-inflammatory: Bark smoke treats lumbago in Congo. Wansi
et al. (2010) confirmed extracts (100 mg/kg) reduced paw edema in rats by 35%. · Reproductive Health: Bark decoctions address sterility and
impotence in Gabon (Harris, 1996). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No specific toxicity data exist, but high doses
of bark extracts (>500 mg/kg in rats) caused sedation, possibly due to
alkaloids. Caution is advised pending further studies (Wansi et al., 2010). Additional Uses · Timber: Hard, rot-resistant wood used for construction, furniture,
and spring traps, though insect-prone sapwood limits local use (Boadu et al.,
2017). · Fuel: Harvested for firewood due to high density (Fern, 2024). · Ecological: Fruits support megafauna (e.g., elephants), aiding seed
dispersal (Harris, 1996). References
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| Compounds of Klainedoxa gabonensis | |
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