Allanblackia parviflora is a medium-sized deciduous forest tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae.
Description
The tree is capable of growing up to 30 m (100 ft) in height and with a diameter that can occasionally reach 80 cm (31 in). The trunk is cylindrical while the bark is reddish to brown and sometimes scaly; the crown is narrow with glossy large leaves.[1] Leaflets are elliptical in shape up to 25 cm (10 in) long and 9 cm (3.5 in) wide. Flowers are fragrant and are pink, reddish or creamy.[2] Fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, up to 50 cm (20 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide with brown warts.[2]
Distribution
The species is native to Tropical West Africa and occurs from Guinea eastwards to Ghana.[2] It is commonly found along slopes in evergreen forests along the coast of West Africa but can also be found in moist semi-deciduous forests.
Chemistry
Studies conducted on seed extracts of the plant indicate a high fatty oil yield, with oleic and stearic acids the dominant fatty acid contents of the seeds.[2]
Uses
In Liberia its wood is used in carpentry work and in other parts of West Africa it is considered suitable as a shade tree in cocoa farms. In traditional medicine, stem bark extracts is used in pain management.[2]
Oil obtained from the seed is also used for cooking.
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