Edible Parts: Fruit  Leaves  Oil  Seed
Edible Uses: Oil

Fruit - raw[ 375 ]. The fleshy pulp in the seedpod, surrounding the seeds, has a sweet flavour[ 303 , 375 ]. Some caution is advised because the seed is poisonous[ 375 ]. Pods flattened 12-17 x 5-8 x 3.5 cm, glabrous, black, woody, persistent bursts open at maturity spreading the seeds. Seeds poisonous, with a sweet edible aril[ 418 ]. The seeds are being investigated for their usefulness in providing seed flour and seed oil[ 325 ]. They contain about 27% crude proteins, 33% crude carbohydrates and 18% of the seed dry weight is oil[ 325 ]. Tender young leaves - occasionally cooked and eaten as a vegetable[ 617 ].

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.
Analgesic  Anaphrodisiac  Antirheumatic  Diuretic  Emetic  Emmenagogue  Febrifuge  Laxative  
Leprosy  Malaria

The plant is used in traditional medicine, where it is considered to be analgesic, antihaemorrhagic, aphrodisiac, emetic, emmenagogue, febrifuge and laxative[ 375 ]. The plant is used in local medicine for general pain relief; treating digestive problems such as constipation and vomiting; and for internal bleedings (haemorrhagic)[ 325 ]. A decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of malaria and rheumatism[ 617 ]. An infusion of the bark is used as a treatment against paralysis, and a decoction against constipation. The pulp is combined with Pericopsis and Tamarindus and used as a diuretic and febrifuge[ 303 ]. The maceration is used as a remedy for leprosy[ 303 ]. The ash of the bark, prepared with Shea butter as a soap, is used as a treatment against lumbago. In a decoction or prepared with food, it is a treatment for back-ache[ 303 ]. The roots are pulverised with millet-beer and used to treat hernias and, in a decoction with pimento, as a remedy against gonorrhoea and stomach-ache[ 303 ]. A leaf decoction, combined with Syzygium guineensis leaves and Xylopia fruit, forms a drink that is used to treat oedema[ 303 ].

Charcoal  Fuel  Furniture  Musical  Oil  Potash  Resin  Soap making  Wood

Agroforestry Uses: As the leaves are rich in nitrogen they are used to enrich the soil[ 375 , 418 ]. Other Uses The burnt pods are rich in potash[ 375 ]. They are used locally for manufacturing a soap[ 46 , 303 , 418 ]. The dried seedpods are used as musical instruments[ 325 ]. A dark yellow, highly aromatic resin exudes from injuries in the bark[ 303 ]. The seeds contain 31% oil and have potential for industrial use[ 303 ]. The heartwood is golden-brown to light red-brown, sometimes with darker veins; it is clearly demarcated from the 2 - 8cm wide band of yellow-white sapwood. The texture is coarse; the grain straight or interlocked. The white or yellow substance, afzelin, which is present in the vessels of the wood, can cause it to stain textiles and other materials that come into contact with it when damp. The wood is light in weight and soft according to some reports, whilst others say that it is hard and heavy. The wood is durable to very durable, being resistant to termites and dry wood borers and very resistant to fungi. It seasons slowly, with a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dried it is stable in service. The wood is hard to cut, stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; nailing and screwing are good, but pre-boring is recommended; gluing is correct for internal use; filling is recommended to obtain a good finish. An excellent timber, it is considered to be a good substitute for mahogany (Swietenia spp.), though it is difficult to work. The wood has a wide range of uses, including for ship building, construction, interior and exterior joinery and panelling, cabinetwork, cooperage, shingles etc[ 46 , 303 , 325 , 375 , 418 , 848 ]. The wood is used for fuel and for making charcoal[ 325 ].

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer