Xylopia aethiopica
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Scientific
Classification
Common
Names:
Xylopia aethiopica also called Negro and Ethiopian pepper Local Names:
akada (Degema; Nigeria), am-pos, an-pos (Temne; Sierra Leone), áta (Efik;
Nigeria), átà (Ibibio; Nigeria), brobleké (Mandyak; Senegal), buheo
(Diola-Fogny; Senegal), bolofaran (Maninka; Guinea-Bissau), chimba, kimba
(Hausa; Ghana), deo (Basa; Liberia), deo (Kru-Grebo; Liberia), djô-djô (Pepel;
Guinea-Bissau), efomu (Anyi; Ivory Coast), ẹ̀ẹ̀rù, erinje, etc. (Yoruba;
Nigeria), equeché, equèche (Bidyogo; Guinea-Bissau), evafé (Abure; Ivory
Coast), fondé (Abe; Ivory Coast), gilé (Fula-Pulaar; Senegal), gbépoo
(Kru-Guere-Wobe; Ivory Coast), guile (Fula-Pulaar; Guinea), guili
(Manding-Maninka; Ivory Coast), haledé (Serer-Non; Senegal), hewe (Mende;
Sierra Leone), hwentia (Akan-Asante; Ghana), hwentia (Wasa; Ghana), indian
(Akan-Brong; Ivory Coast), kaani (Mandinka; Senegal), kani (Manding-Bambara;
Senegal), kani fin(-g) (Manding-Bambara; Senegal), kanifingo (Soce; Ivory
Coast), kenya (Bokyi; Nigeria), kimbáá (Hausa; Nigeria), kimbaahre
(Fula-Fulfulde; Nigeria), kyimba (Arabic; Nigeria), kyimba (Arabic-Shuwa;
Nigeria), kìmbílì (Tera; Nigeria), lέŋ (Berom; Nigeria), lσbσε (Vai; Sierra
Leone), malagueta (Crioulo; Guinea-Bissau), ndiar, ndier (Wolof; Senegal),
nila, nja hewe (Mende; Sierra Leone), sem-unte-pulhe (Balanta; Guinea-Bissau),
seve (Gola; Sierra Leone), seve (Loko; Sierra Leone), siawõ (Kissi; Sierra
Leone), siminii, siminji (Krio; Sierra Leone), sindian (Baule; Ivory Coast),
sogodio (Kulango; Ivory Coast), son-dε (Bulom-Sherbro; Sierra Leone), soo
(Adangme-Krobo; Ghana), soo (Ga; Ghana), spais-tik (Krio; Sierra Leone),
tsunfyányá, etc. (Nupe; Nigeria), tsyo (Gbe-Vhe; Ghana), and úniẹ́ (Edo;
Nigeria). Species ID: NMP-197;wfo-0000428869;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 1317910 Description Xylopia aethiopica, commonly known
as Ethiopian pepper or grains of Selim, is an evergreen aromatic tree that can
grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree has a straight stem, grey-brown bark, and
oblong-elliptic leaves. It produces small, cylindrical fruits that are dark
brown and highly aromatic when dried. Distribution
and Habitat
This species is native to tropical Africa, ranging from Senegal to Sudan in the
east and down to Angola in the south. It is commonly found in lowland
rainforests, moist fringe forests, and savanna zones, thriving in well-drained
soils and various elevations up to 1,800 meters. Medicinal
Properties Xylopia
aethiopica is highly regarded in traditional African medicine for its various
therapeutic uses:
Toxicity Xylopia aethiopica is generally
considered safe when used appropriately in traditional medicine. However,
excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects due to the presence of
certain potent bioactive compounds. Proper dosage and preparation methods are
crucial to avoid toxicity. Additional
Information
Besides its medicinal uses, the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica are used as a
spice in African cuisine, adding a peppery flavor to dishes. The wood of the
tree is valued for its resistance to termite attacks and is used in
construction, including for making boat parts, house posts, and beams.
References
External
links
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| Compounds of Xylopia aethiopica | |
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