Edible Parts: Fruit  Inner bark  Leaves
Edible Uses: Gum

An edible gum is obtained from the bark[ 299 ]. Fairly soluble in water, it is chewed and, in northern Niger, it is considered the best chewing gum substitute for gum arabic[ 299 , 332 ]. It contains 22% uronic acid. It is of good viscosity and is usable as a substitute for or adulterant of gum-arabic[ 332 ]. A cold water infusion of the gum is considered a palatable beverage[ 332 ]. A decoction is given to a new-born baby to drink[ 332 ]. The fruit and the calyx are used in the preparation of sauces or to make a tea[ 301 ]. Tender young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[ 617 ].

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Anthelmintic  Antibacterial  Aphrodisiac  Eczema  Febrifuge  Laxative  Skin  Stimulant


The bark, leaves and roots are all used in traditional medicine usually in the form of decoctions[ 299 ]. They have antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity and are usually taken as decoctions[ 299 ]. Extracts of the stem and root bark and of the leaves have shown antifungal activity against a number of pathogenic fungi. Moderate antibacterial activity of the bark was also demonstrated[ 299 ]. Extracts of the plant have exhibited in-vitro activity against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains[ 299 ]. A decoction of the leaves or leafy twigs is used against yellow fever, jaundice, different kinds of hepatitis, common cold and headache. Externally, a leaf decoction is applied against haemorrhoids and skin diseases. The root-bark is considered to be aphrodisiac and stimulant[ 332 ]. In some regions the bark is used as a febrifuge in hot lotions and infusions[ 332 ]. The powdered bark and a bark decoction are used externally to treat wounds, eczema, psoriasis, anthrax, carbuncles, boils and several kinds of ulcers. The bark decoction is also known as a muscular tonic. The bark and the exuding gum have been shown to prevent and cure dental caries and toothache and are commonly used in Africa[ 299 ]. The gum obtained from the bark is laxative[ 332 ]. It can be used in pharmacy as an emulsifying agent[ 332 ]. The bark itself is chewed to obtain the gum[ 332 ]. The fleshy roots are used against labour pains[ 299 ]. The pulped roots are applied to sores to promote healing, and to accelerate wound healing[ 299 , 332 ]. The seeds have a wide bactericidal and fungicidal activity in humans and animals[ 299 ].

Adhesive  Charcoal  Dye  Fuel  Gum  Mordant  Pioneer  Soap making  Soil stabilization  Tannin  Wood

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Agroforestry Uses: The tree is planted in Eritrea to stabilize river banks[ 299 ]. Within its native range it is a pioneer species on open forest clearings[ 325 ]. However, the tree has very slow initial growth and is very sensitive to bush fires, which somewhat limit its usefulness[ 325 , K ]. When grown gregariously it effecively kills out grass[ 332 ]. Other Uses The leaves are rich in tannins and are used to dye cloth a yellow colour[ 299 ]. In West Africa, they are commonly used in the oldest African traditional dyeing process of cotton textiles known as 'basilan'[ 299 ]. Dyeing with the leaves of this plant has even become a full-time occupation for many people[ 299 ]. The bark, and roots are also a source of tannins and dyes[ 299 , 332 ]. The ash of the leaves, the bark and the wood are used as mordants to improve the fastness of many other dyes and in the indigo dyeing process to maintain the necessary alkaline pH[ 299 , 332 ]. The wood ash is used as a lye in washing clothes and as a basis for making soap[ 332 ]. The damaged bark exudes a partially soluble gum which contains 22% uronic acid. It is of good viscosity and can be used as a substitute for or adulterant of gum-arabic (Senegalia species). It is used in various ways, including for beating cloth; to make ink more viscous; as an adhesive; medicinally; and for food[ 299 , 325 , 332 ]. In Ghana and Nigeria the roots are used and traded as chewing sticks[ 299 , 301 , 325 ]. The chewing sticks have shown strong activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria, including some contributing to tooth-deterioration[ 299 ]. The heartwood is a dark, dull brown, streaky, becoming almost ebony-black; it is distinctly demarcated from the wide band of whitish yellow sapwood. The texture is fine; the grain wavy or interlocked. The wood is heavy and hard; it is not durable in contact with the soil, but is resistant to the attacks of termites and insects, though not of marine borers. It is extremely resistant to preservatives. It seasons rapidly, but with some distortion. The wood is moderately easy to saw, but difficult to plane, mortise and bore; it finishes and polishes well and is easy to turn and glue, but nailing is difficult. It is much used for piles and rafters in house construction, for agricultural implements, tool handles and occasionally in cabinet making. It is a favoured wood for use in carving[ 299 , 325 , 332 ]. The wood is an excellent fuel and yields good charcoal[ 299 , 325 , 332 ]. In the whole Sahel region fuel has become so scarce that even these useful trees are being sacrificed[ 299 ].

Special Uses

Food Forest