Vangueria madagascariensis: Difference between revisions

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Vangueria madagascariensis

Vangueria madagascariensis, commonly known as the Spanish tamarind, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Madagascar and is also found in other parts of Africa. The plant is known for its edible fruit, which is consumed locally and has various uses.

Description

Vangueria madagascariensis is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are simple, opposite, and have a glossy green appearance. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, round to oval in shape, and turns yellow to orange when ripe. The fruit is sweet and tangy, often compared to the taste of tamarind.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is native to Madagascar but is also found in other regions of Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It typically grows in dry forests, woodlands, and savannas. The plant is well adapted to a range of soil types and can tolerate drought conditions.

Uses

The fruit of Vangueria madagascariensis is edible and is consumed fresh or used in making jams and juices. It is a source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat ailments such as digestive issues and skin conditions.

Cultivation

Vangueria madagascariensis is cultivated for its fruit and ornamental value. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in gardens and orchards.

Conservation

While Vangueria madagascariensis is not currently listed as threatened, habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion poses a risk to its natural populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitat and promoting sustainable use of the species.

Related Pages

References

Schatz, G. E. (2001). "Generic Tree Flora of Madagascar". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bridson, D. M., & Verdcourt, B. (2003). "Rubiaceae". In: Beentje, H. J. (ed.), Flora of Tropical East Africa.

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-'''Vangueria madagascariensis''' is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Rubiaceae]]. It is commonly known as the Spanish tamarind, or voa vanga, and is native to [[Madagascar]] and mainland [[Africa]].
+== Vangueria madagascariensis ==
+[[File:Arbre_vavangue.jpg|thumb|Vangueria madagascariensis tree]]
+'''Vangueria madagascariensis''', commonly known as the [[Spanish tamarind]], is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Rubiaceae]]. It is native to [[Madagascar]] and is also found in other parts of [[Africa]]. The plant is known for its edible fruit, which is consumed locally and has various uses.
 == Description ==
-[[Vangueria madagascariensis]] is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, and have a leathery texture. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and are followed by edible fruits that are round and green when young, turning brown as they mature. The fruits have a sweet-sour taste and are consumed both fresh and dried.
-== Distribution and habitat ==
+Vangueria madagascariensis is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are simple, opposite, and have a glossy green appearance. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, round to oval in shape, and turns yellow to orange when ripe. The fruit is sweet and tangy, often compared to the taste of tamarind.
-[[Vangueria madagascariensis]] is widely distributed in [[Madagascar]] and mainland [[Africa]], from [[Senegal]] in the west to [[Ethiopia]] in the east, and south to [[South Africa]]. It is found in a variety of habitats, from dry deciduous forests and thicket vegetation to riverine and coastal forests.
+== Distribution and Habitat ==
+This species is native to [[Madagascar]] but is also found in other regions of [[Africa]], including [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Mozambique]]. It typically grows in dry forests, woodlands, and savannas. The plant is well adapted to a range of soil types and can tolerate drought conditions.
 == Uses ==
-The fruits of [[Vangueria madagascariensis]] are edible and are consumed both fresh and dried. They are also used in traditional medicine in various parts of Africa for the treatment of a range of ailments, including stomach disorders and respiratory problems. The wood is used for fuel and for making tools and utensils.
+The fruit of Vangueria madagascariensis is edible and is consumed fresh or used in making jams and juices. It is a source of vitamins and minerals, particularly [[vitamin C]]. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat ailments such as digestive issues and skin conditions.
+== Cultivation ==
+Vangueria madagascariensis is cultivated for its fruit and ornamental value. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in gardens and orchards.
 == Conservation ==
-While [[Vangueria madagascariensis]] is widely distributed and is not currently considered to be at risk, it is threatened in some areas by habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture.
+While Vangueria madagascariensis is not currently listed as threatened, habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion poses a risk to its natural populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitat and promoting sustainable use of the species.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Rubiaceae]]
+* [[Flora of Madagascar]]
+* [[Edible fruits]]
 == References ==
-<references />
+* Schatz, G. E. (2001). "Generic Tree Flora of Madagascar". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
+* Bridson, D. M., & Verdcourt, B. (2003). "Rubiaceae". In: Beentje, H. J. (ed.), Flora of Tropical East Africa.
 [[Category:Rubiaceae]]
 [[Category:Flora of Madagascar]]
-[[Category:Flora of Africa]]
+[[Category:Edible fruits]]
-{{Rubiaceae-stub}}