African cherry
StarPrunus africana
Synonyms: Pygeum africanum, Lauro-cerasus africana
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In African traditional medicine the bark of Prunus africana has long been used as a decoction or infusion to treat fever, malaria, chest and stomach complaints, kidney and urinary disorders, and as a general tonic; it is also applied to wounds and used for benign prostatic enlargement in older men (van Wyk & Gericke, 2000; Stewart, 2003). The bark, traded internationally as pygeum, is harvested across the species' montane range, leading to CITES Appendix II listing owing to overharvesting pressure.
Botanical Description
Prunus africana is a large evergreen tree of the Rosaceae, reaching 25-40 m tall, native to montane forests across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar at 1000-3000 m elevation. It develops a dense, rounded crown and a thick, blackish-brown bark that fissures and flakes in rectangular scales. The alternate leaves are leathery, elliptic to oblong, 8-20 cm long, glossy dark green above and paler below, with finely toothed margins and a faintly almond scent when crushed. Small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers are borne in axillary racemes, each bisexual with numerous stamens. The fruit is a small, bilobed, reddish-brown to purplish drupe about 7-13 mm wide, ripening to dark and relished by birds and primates. The species favours cool, humid Afromontane forest and is a long-lived canopy component of these ecosystems.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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