Sorindeia africana is a medium-sized tree within the family Anacardiaceae. It is a variable species with more than ten heterotypic synonyms.[1]
Sorindeia africana | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Anacardiaceae |
Genus: | Sorindeia |
Species: | S. africana
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Binomial name | |
Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken
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Description
editThe species commonly grows as a tree but it has been observed growing as a shrub, it can reach an height of 33 m (108 ft) and a diameter of up to 40 cm (16 in).[2] Branches are sometimes free of hair but when hairy, it has a distinctive brown indumentum. Leaves are papery to leathery, leaflets can reach 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and 6 cm (2.4 in) in width, they are rounded to cuneate at base and acuminate at the apex.[2] Inflorescence are in axillary or terminal panicles. Fruit is yellowish to orange when ripe.[2]
Distribution
editSorindeia africana occurs largely in west-central tropical Africa (Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Gabon) and has also been observed in Angola, Nigeria and Zambia.[1]