Syzygium guineense
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Syzygium guineense Common Names: Water-berry, rose apple, water pear,
African cherry Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Syzygium Species: S. guineense Binomial Name: Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. Synonyms: Syzygium guineense subsp. guineense, afromontanum, barotsense, huillense Morphological Description Syzygium guineense, commonly known as water-berry or water pear, is a highly
versatile evergreen plant exhibiting a range of growth forms, from a pyrophytic
subshrub of 30 cm to a tree reaching 10–15 meters, with exceptional specimens
up to 25–30 meters (Kew Science, 2023). The trunk is broad, often fluted, with
a diameter of 50–100 cm, featuring smooth, pale gray bark that roughens and
darkens to black with age, sometimes peeling in strips (Tropical Plants
Database, 2024). The rounded crown is dense, supported by stout branches.
Leaves are opposite, elliptic to obovate, 5–15 cm long and 3–7 cm wide, glossy
dark green above, paler beneath, with young leaves displaying a striking
purple-red hue (PlantZAfrica, 2013). Flowers are white, 1–2 cm in diameter,
with prominent stamens forming a fluffy cluster, emitting a sweet, honey-like
fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies (Burkill, 2000). Fruits are
ellipsoid drupes, 1–2 cm long, turning purple-black when ripe, with juicy,
edible flesh surrounding a single seed. Distribution and Habitat Syzygium guineense is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from
Senegal to Somalia, south to South Africa, and extends to the southwestern
Arabian Peninsula, including Yemen and Saudi Arabia (Gereau et al., 2019). It
occupies diverse habitats, including lowland and montane forests, forest edges,
woodlands, humid savannas, swamps, and mangrove fringes, at elevations from sea
level to 2,500 meters (Kew Science, 2023). The species thrives in moist,
well-drained soils, often beside rivers and streams, preferring loamy or sandy
substrates with a pH of 5.5–7.0 and annual rainfall of 800–2,500 mm (Tropical
Plants Database, 2024). Its adaptability allows it to persist in both wet
tropical and seasonally dry environments, often regenerating vigorously after
fires (PlantZAfrica, 2013). Ethnopharmacology Syzygium guineense is a cornerstone of traditional African medicine, valued for
its diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids,
and phenolic acids (Nguyen et al., 2016). Below are key ethnopharmacological
uses supported by research: · Antimalarial Activity: In Ethiopia, leaf decoctions treat
malaria; ethanolic extracts (200–600 mg/kg) reduced Plasmodium berghei parasitemia by 60–78% in mice, comparable
to chloroquine, due to flavonoids and terpenoids (Tadesse & Wubneh, 2017). · Antimicrobial and Antidiarrheal: In Mali, bark infusions combat diarrhea
and infections; methanol extracts showed a minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC) of 125 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and inhibited intestinal propulsion in
mice by 50%, supporting its use (Ezenyi & Igoli, 2019). · Pain and Fever Relief: In Cameroon, leaf infusions alleviate pain
and fever. · Digestive Health: In Benin, root decoctions treat stomach
aches; bark extracts reduced castor oil-induced fluid accumulation in rats by
35%, attributed to tannins (Pieme et al., 2014). · Wound Healing: In Nigeria, powdered bark is applied to wounds; its phenolic
content enhances fibroblast activity, promoting tissue repair in vitro (Nguyen
et al., 2016). These uses are
underpinned by its rich phytochemical profile, with gallotannins and
ellagitannins contributing to its broad therapeutic effects (Nguyen et al.,
2016). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: While Syzygium guineense offers medicinal benefits, its bark can be
toxic, with recorded fatalities from misuse as a purgative, likely due to high
tannin or cyanogenic glycoside content (Burkill, 2000). Acute Toxicity: A study
administering 80% methanol leaf extract to rats at doses of 2,000 mg/kg and
5,000 mg/kg reported no mortality or significant behavioral changes over a
14-day observation period (Loha et al., 2019). Additional Uses · Timber: The pale red heartwood, with a density of 640–860 kg/m³, is
hard and durable, used for construction, furniture, tool handles, and dugout
canoes (Tropical Plants Database, 2024). · Food Source: Fruits, rich in vitamin C (20–30 mg/100 g) and minerals like
potassium, are eaten raw, cooked, or fermented into beverages and vinegar
(PlantZAfrica, 2013). · Ecological Benefits: The tree provides shade, stabilizes
riverbanks, and supports wildlife, with fruits consumed by birds and monkeys,
aiding seed dispersal (Gereau et al., 2019). References
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