Terminalia glaucescens
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Terminalia glaucescens Common Names: Glaucous Terminalia, Grey Terminalia,
West African Almond Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Order: Myrtales Family: Combretaceae Genus: Terminalia Species: T. glaucescens Binomial Name: Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth. Synonyms: Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr., Terminalia macrophylla P. Beauv. Morphological Description Terminalia glaucescens, commonly known as Glaucous Terminalia, is a medium-sized
deciduous tree typically growing to 10–20 m in height, with exceptional
specimens reaching 25 m. It is characterized by: · Trunk: Straight or slightly curved, 0.5–1 m in diameter, with
smooth, grey to brownish bark that peels in thin flakes · Branches: Spreading, forming an open, irregular crown up to 10–12 m
wide · Leaves: Simple, alternate, oblong to elliptic (6–15 cm long, 3–7 cm
wide), pale green with a glaucous sheen, turning yellowish before shedding · Flowers: Small, white to cream (0.5–1 cm in diameter), fragrant,
borne in dense terminal panicles (10–20 cm long), blooming late dry season · Fruit: Small, ovoid drupes (1–2 cm long), yellow to brownish when
mature, with a thin fleshy layer over a hard seed The tree’s glaucous
leaves and open canopy distinguish it in savanna landscapes, offering both
ecological and aesthetic value. Distribution and Habitat Terminalia glaucescens is native to tropical and subtropical West and Central
Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and
Chad. It thrives in: · Habitats: Savanna woodlands, open forests, riverine fringes, and
grassy plains · Climate: Warm, semi-arid to humid tropics, with rainfall of 600–1,500
mm annually, temperatures of 25–35°C · Soil Conditions: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils (pH
5.5–7.0), tolerating poor fertility and seasonal drought Its resilience to harsh
conditions supports its widespread presence across the Sahel and Sudanian
zones. Ethnopharmacology Terminalia glaucescens is a cornerstone of traditional medicine in West and Central
Africa, with ethnopharmacological studies validating its uses: · Antimicrobial: Leaf and bark extracts inhibit *Staphylococcus aureus* and
*Escherichia coli* (MIC 6.25 mg/mL), used in Nigeria for infections and
dysentery. · Anti-inflammatory: Stem bark decoctions reduce edema by 50%
in mice at 800 mg/kg, applied in Mali for pain and swellings. · Antioxidant: Ethanol leaf extracts exhibit DPPH scavenging (IC₅₀ 32.48
µg/mL), supporting its use in Ghana as a health tonic. · Antidiabetic: Leaf extracts lower blood glucose by 40% in diabetic rats at
500 mg/kg, used in Senegal for diabetes management. · Antimalarial: Alkaloidal stem bark fractions reduce *Plasmodium berghei*
parasitemia by 72% at 100 mg/kg in mice, a traditional remedy in Nigeria. ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Safe in traditional doses (LD₅₀ > 5,000 mg/kg
in rats for leaf extracts), prolonged or high-dose use may cause hepatorenal
toxicity in animal models, with mild liver enzyme elevation noted. Sawdust
inhalation may irritate respiratory tracts due to silica content. Caution is
advised for extended use. Additional Uses · Timber: Hard, durable wood (density 600–700 kg/m³) used for
construction, furniture, and tool handles · Ecological: Planted to improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and
provide shade in agroforestry · Cultural: Bark used in Nigeria for dyeing fabrics and traditional
rituals · Fodder: Leaves occasionally browsed by livestock during dry seasons References
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| Compounds of Terminalia glaucescens | |
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