Zanthoxylum leprieurii is a low branching medium-sized tree of the Rutaceae family. It can reach 24 m (79 ft) in height and up to 40 cm (16 in) in diameter. Some parts of the plant are used in African folk medicine.
| Zanthoxylum leprieurii | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Zanthoxylum |
| Species: | Z. leprieurii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr.
| |
Description
editStems often have conical, woody prickle-bearing protuberances up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long. Leaves alternate, and are imparipinnately compound, with 8-17 leaflets.[1][2] Leaflets are 15-55 cm (22 in) long.[1][2]
Distribution
editThis plant spans Tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and reaches Mozambique.[1]
Uses
editExtracts from the stem and root bark have applications in traditional healing practices.[1] They are used as part of a decoction to treat venereal diseases, body pain, dysentery, urinary infections, male impotence and intestinal worms.[1] Leaf extracts are used as a topical wound treatment, kidney pain arthritis, bleeding gums and sores.[1]
Though not known for its durability, its wood is used to build canoes and boats, drums, crates and boxes.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g G. H. Schmelzer; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, eds. (2008). Medicinal plants. Wageningen: PROTA Foundation. pp. 281–282. ISBN 978-90-5782-204-9. OCLC 297222192.
- ^ a b Kalema, James; Alan Hamilton (2020). Field guide to the forest trees of Uganda for identification and conservation. Wallingford, UK: Cabi. ISBN 978-1-78924-528-8. OCLC 1158276276.