Common Name:

General Information

Garcinia smeathmannii is an evergreen shrub or tree growing up to 30 metres tall in the moister parts of its range, but smaller elsewhere[]. It has a clear, straight bole of 20cm or more in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine, tooth cleaner and source of wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Senegal to DR Congo and Tanzania, south to Angola, Zambia and Mozambique.

Habitat

Evergreen forests, usually near streams at elevations up to 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A dioecious species, both male and female forms usually need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[]. At least some dioecious Garcinia species, however, are able to produce fertile seed even in the absence of fertilization (asexual reproduction). Such seeds would be expected to be genetically identical to the parent[]

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The fruit-pulp is edible and is taken in time of scarcity[]. The yellow, globose berry is 10 - 25mm in diameter[].

The seeds are used more or less like those of G. Kola, the false kola nut[]. These uses are as follows:-
Seed - raw[]. The seeds are chewed along with the seeds of the true cola (Cola spp.). They are thought to enhance a person's enjoyment of the cola as well as allowing for consumption of larger quantities without indisposition[, ]. They have a bitter, astringent, aromatic flavour; somewhat resembling that of a raw coffee bean[, ]. This is followed by a slight sweetness (or lingering pepperiness)[].

Medicinal

The bark contains a bright yellow, sticky latex which is used as a wound-dressing[].
The latex is instilled into the eyes for treating ophthalmia[].

A decoction of the bark is used as a purgative in the treatment for female sterility and as an antidote for poisoning[].
Applied externally, it is used as a wash to treat skin-infections - this treatment being followed by an application of the latex[].

The seeds are used more or less like those of G. Kola, the false kola nut[]. These uses are as follows:-
The seeds are said to be antidote, antitussive, aphrodisiac, astringent and vermifuge[]. Mastication of the seeds is said to relieve coughs, hoarseness, and bronchial and throat troubles. They are taken dry as a remedy for dysentery. They are said to provide an antidote against Strophanthus poisoning[].

Other Uses

The Wasa name, and the English, doubtless drawn from it, suggests use for chew-sticks, if only as a substitute[].

The wood is hard and durable. It has been used for posts in Ghana[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no specific information on this species, but the seed of most members of the genus can be slow to germinate, even if sown fresh, often taking 6 months or more[].

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