Zanthoxylum leprieurii

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 Edit this 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

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Stems 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

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This plant spans Tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and reaches Mozambique.[1]

Uses

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Extracts 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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.