Annickia chlorantha and Annickia polycarpa (DC.) Setten & Maas ex I.M.Turner are closely alike in characters and uses and there has often been confusion over identity. Their range only overlaps in Nigeria and Cameroon, any reports of Annickia chlorantha to the west of that region should always be applied to Annickia polycarpa[].

Common Name: African Whitewood

General Information

Annickia chlorantha is an ornamental tree with a dense foliage and spreading crown[]. It grows from 12 - 30 metres tall with a long, clear bole that can be 40 - 70 cm in diameter[].
The stem bark, which is used in traditional medicine, has been shown to be an effective antimicrobial, whilst the tree is also often harvested for its timber, fibre and as a source of a dye.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western tropical Africa - Nigeria, Cameroon.

Habitat

An understorey tree in high rainforests[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The stem bark is intensely bitter. It is used in traditional medicine in western Africa to treat jaundice, fevers, tuberculosis, bloody vomit and urinary tract infections[, ].
The powdered bark is applied externally to treat sores, ulcers, wounds etc[].

Modern research has shown that an aqueous extract of the bark has an effective antibacterial action, especially against gram-positive bacteria[]. The extract has also shown antiviral activity and has potential in relieving pyrogen-induced fever[].
The alkaloids palmatine, coloumbamine and jatrorrhizine have been identified in the bark, and it is believed that these alkaloids are responsible for the medical activity[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark[]. It is used to colour cotton and other fibres[].

The fibrous bark is used for matting, caps etc. The bark is used to make the sides, partitions and doors of huts[].

The wood is yellow, turning brown upon exposure[, ]. Heartwood and sapwood are not differentiated[]. The wood is fairly fine-grained, rather soft, easily split and taking a good polish[]. It is used for house building, furniture, general carpentry, etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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