Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw[299 ]. The fruit comprises a number of achenes, each 2.5 - 3 mm long, arranged in an infructescence 5 - 8cm long and 1.2 - 2cm wide. Each achene contains a pale brown seed about 2mm long[299 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiasthmatic  Antidiarrhoeal  Antihaemorrhoidal  Antiinflammatory  Antirheumatic  Antiseptic  Antitussive  Aphrodisiac  
Cardiac  Dysentery  Eczema  Febrifuge  Galactogogue  Ophthalmic  Purgative  
Skin  Tonic

The latex in the plant is credited with antiseptic and healing properties and is applied on wounds and burns[299 ]. Other plant parts probably have similar medicinal uses as those of Milicia excelsa.[299 ]. These are as follows:- A root decoction is taken to treat female sterility. A decoction of the root and stem bark is taken as an aphrodisiac[299 ]. The bark is aphrodisiac, galactagogue, purgative and tonic[299 ]. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions including cough, asthma, heart trouble, lumbago, spleen pain, stomach pain, abdominal pain, oedema, ascites, dysmenorrhoea, gonorrhoea, general fatigue, rheumatism, sprains[299 ]. Bark preparations are externally applied to treat scabies, wounds, loss of hair, fever, venereal diseases and sprains[299 ]. They are also applied as an enema to cure piles, diarrhoea and dysentery[299 ]. The latex is considered to be galactagogue[299 ]. It is taken in the treatment of stomach problems, hypertension, tumours and obstructions of the throat[299 ]. Externally, it is applied on burns, wounds, sores and against eczema and other skin problems[299 ]. The leaves are galactagogue[299 ]. They are eaten to treat insanity, and a decoction is taken for the treatment of gallstones[299 ]. Externally, leaf preparations are used in the treatment of snakebites and fever, and as eye drops to treat filariasis.

Adhesive  Charcoal  Fuel  Furniture  Hair  Latex  Mulch  Soil conditioner  Wood

Other Uses The bark is used for dyeing leather and cloth[299 ]. A white latex exudes from the bark. It is used as a glue, and has been used as an adulterant in rubber[299 ]. The heartwood is pale yellow to brown, darkening upon exposure; it is clearly demarcated from the 50 - 75mm wide band of paler sapwood. The grain is interlocked; texture medium to coarse; the wood has a strong mint-like odour and a slightly oily feel. The wood is of medium weight, moderately hard, of good durability, being resistent to fungi, dry wood borers and termites. The wood seasons well, without warping or splitting; movement in service is small. The wood is easy to saw and to work with hand and machine tools - it contains, however, hard deposits ('iroko stones', mainly consisting of calcium carbonate), which can blunt cutting edges. In planing, the interlocked grain may cause some tearing, but this can be avoided by using cutting angles of 15° or less. The wood holds nails well, but nailing may cause some splitting. It finishes well, but filler is needed. It glues easily. A wood of high quality, it is used for construction work, shipbuilding and marine carpentry, sleepers, sluice gates, framework, trucks, draining boards, outdoor and indoor joinery, stairs, doors, frames, garden furniture, cabinet work, panelling, flooring and profile boards for decorative and structural uses. It is also used for carving, domestic utensils, musical instruments and toys. As it is resistant to acids and bases, it is used for tanks and barrels for food and chemical products and for laboratory benches. It is used as sliced veneer but only rarely as rotary veneer[299 , 848 ]. The wood is used for fuel and for making charcoal299].

Special Uses

Coppice