Common Name:

General Information

Xylopia longipetala is an evergreen shrub or tree growing from 6 - 24 metres tall. The straight bole has buttresses[].
The tree is used locally as a source of fibre, timber and medicines. It is also suitable for providing shade near houses or in farmland[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Sudan and Kenya, south to Angola, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique.

Habitat

Dry lowland forests, thickets and woodland in Tanzania[]. Fringing forest of the lowland rain-forest and savannah zones[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is used as a treatment for snake bites and stomach-ache[].

The plant is antitussive and expectorant[]. A decoction of equal parts of the roots and leaves is taken to treat coughs[].

The cylindrical fruiting carpels are spicy. They and the stem-bark are put into a remedy for skin infections, but examination for anti-bacterial or anti-fungal action showed no activity[].

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used to make cordage[].

The yellow wood is hard, fine-grained, elastic and is believed to resist termites[]. Its flexibility and durability render it suitable for oars and masts, and it is also used for house-posts, scantlings, tool handles, beds, domestic utensils and general carpentry[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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