Common Name: Bois de Rose

General Information

Berlinia auriculata is a shrub or a tree with a spreading crown; it usually grows from 2 - 20 metres tall but can sometimes reach 30 metres. The bole can be 5 - 77cm in diameter.
There are no documented uses for this species, but it is likely to be harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood - the wood is also likely to be traded, in mixed consignments with other members of the genus.
Berlinia auriculata grows in areas that are likely subject to a decline in habitat quality due to commercial and small-scale logging activities. There are no estimates of population numbers for this species so population decline cannot be assessed with certainty, however population decline is not thought to be over the threshold for a threatened category. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and Congo

Habitat

Lowland forest, along rivers and on beaches; at elevations up to 500 metres. Swampy places in forest, often found along shores[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m

Cultivation Details

When sterile, this species has been misidentified as Berlinia congolensis and Berlinia confusa[].

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but it is closely related to Berlinia confusa and is likely to be used in similar ways as detailed below:-

Leaf - cooked[]. The leaves are used as a flavouring in foods[].

Medicinal

We have no specific information for this species, but it is closely related to Berlinia confusa and is likely to be used in similar ways as detailed below:-

The leaves are astringent and possibly abortifacient[].

A gum obtained from the plant is used to treat ear problems[].

The leaves contain a range of medicinally active compounds including alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids and tannins[]. The leaves contain falvones[]. (This is probably a mis-spelling for flavones[])

Other Uses

There are no documented human uses for this species, however other species in this genus are collected locally for building materials, as well as for food and medicines. This species is closely related to Berlinia confusa and is likely to be used in similar ways. The wood of the various species in this genus is very similar and so this species is likely to be used for purposes such as construction, furniture and flooring[]. Berlinia wood is, in general, similar to white oak (Quercus alba) in durability, density and usefulness. It is an attractive, decorative hardwood that can be used for fine, interior joinery[].

Propagation

Seed -

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