Prunus africana
Prunus africana
Prunus africana, also known as the African cherry, pygeum, or red stinkwood, is a species of the genus Prunus native to Africa. The tree is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Prunus africana is /ˈpruːnəs æfrɪˈkɑːnə/.
Etymology
The name "Prunus" is derived from the Latin word for "plum". "Africana" refers to the tree's African origin.
Description
Prunus africana is a large evergreen tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height. It has a dark brown to black bark, which is used in traditional medicine. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a glossy dark green color. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, while the fruit is a small, red to purple drupe.
Medicinal uses
The bark of Prunus africana is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including prostate disorders, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and malaria. It is also used in the production of a pharmaceutical drug called Pygeum, which is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Conservation status
Prunus africana is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List due to overharvesting for its medicinal bark.
Related terms
- Prunus: The genus to which Prunus africana belongs.
- Pygeum: A pharmaceutical drug derived from the bark of Prunus africana.
- Prostate disorders: A group of conditions that can affect the prostate gland, for which Prunus africana is used in traditional medicine.
- IUCN Red List: A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prunus africana
- Wikipedia's article - Prunus africana
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