Zanthoxylum heitzii

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It can grow 35 m tall. The trunk is 20 m tall. The trunk can be 1.5 m across. There are prickly processes on the trunk. These can be 9 cm long. The leaves are alternate and clustered at the ends of branches. The leaves are compound and have leaflets along the stalk with one at the end. There are 25-51 leaflets. The leaves are up to 100 cm long. The leaflets are almost opposite and without stalks. They are oval or sword shaped and 4-15 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. There are small round teeth along the edge. The flowers are of one sex. They are small and without a stalk. They are near the ends of branches and in groups 40 cm long with many flowers. They are white. The fruit is a round follicle 4 mm across. The seeds are round and 2.5 mm across and black and shiny.

It is used in medicine for malaria. It has been shown to kill some malaria larvae. It is also being checked for use for HIV and sickle cell disorder.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest up to 1,200 m above sea level. It is best in well-drained soils. Seedlings need light.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, East Africa, Gabon

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Plants grow rapidly. Seeds germinate in 25-30 days. They are best not soaked in water.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Fagara brieyi Vermoesen ex Gilbert; Fagara heitzii Aubrev. & Pellegr.;