Pterocarpus erinaceus

Pterocarpus erinaceus
Pterocarpus erinaceus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Dalbergieae
Genus: Pterocarpus
Species: P. erinaceus
Binomial name
Pterocarpus erinaceus
Poir.

The tree Pterocarpus erinaceus is native to Sahelian region of West Africa and is used for fuel wood, for medicinal purposes, as a woodworking material, and that is useful as a nitrogen-fixing plant that helps to improve nutrient-depleted farming land. It has several common names, including muninga, barwood, and vène, mukwa; is used for this species as well as other Pterocarpus. Groves of the tree can be found on the savannahs of West Africa, but it is becoming increasingly rare and is sometimes cultivated. The tree also grows in forests of Comoé National Park in Côte d'Ivoire, a region geographically close to the Sahel but with a higher moisture regime due to its location between two large rivers. The tree grows to about 11 meters in height on average, and bears dark, scaly bark and yellow flowers. The fruits are winged pods. P. erinaceus grows well on sunny, hot African plains with long dry seasons and frequent fires.

The wood, which varies from yellowish to rosy reds and rich browns, is valued for woodworking, and makes good charcoal and fuel wood. The tree exudes a red sap called kino, which is used as a dye in tanning and cloth-making. As a legume, the tree harbors rhizobia that return nitrogen to the soil, making it more fertile. Such plants are desirable on farmland. In addition, the foliage is a nutritious fodder for farm animals. Mali has an active market for P. erinaceus foliage, which is in high demand by sheep farmers for fodder. The tree has several medicinal uses, including reduction of fever and cough suppression.[1]

P. erinaceus was brought to Europe in the 19th century by the Scottish explorer Mungo Park. Currently, it is a threatened due to overexploitation, environmental degradation, and climatic changes. However, the tree is somewhat prolific and easy to cultivate, so reforestation efforts have shown some success.

Other names for the tree include bani in Fulfulde, tolo in Djerma, and ban in Serer.[2]

References

External links


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — Pterocarpus erinaceus …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — Blühender Pterocarpus erinaceus Systematik Ordnung: Schmetterlingsblütenartige (Fabales) Fam …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus —   Pterocarpus erinaceus …   Wikipedia Español

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — Pterocarpus erinaceus …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — gauruotasis koralmedis statusas T sritis vardynas apibrėžtis Pupinių šeimos medieninis augalas (Pterocarpus erinaceus), paplitęs Afrikoje. atitikmenys: lot. Pterocarpus erinaceus angl. African kino; African rosewood; African teak; barwood; black… …   Lithuanian dictionary (lietuvių žodynas)

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — Kino Ki no, n. The dark red dried juice of certain plants, used variously in tanning, in dyeing, and as an astringent in medicine. [1913 Webster] Note: The chief supply is from an East Indian leguminous tree, the {Pterocarpus Marsupium}. Other… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — Rosewood Rose wood, n. A valuable cabinet wood of a dark red color, streaked and variegated with black, obtained from several tropical leguminous trees of the genera {Dalbergia} and {Mach[ae]rium}. The finest kind is from Brazil, and is said to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS POIR. - ПТЕРОКАРПУС ЕЖОВЫЙ — см. 461. Дерево. P. erinaceus Poir. П. ежовый Encycl. Suppl. IV (1816) 610. Dalziel (1937) 257. S y n. P. africanus Hook.; P. senegalensis VahL; P. adansonii DC. М е с т н. н а з в. Англ. african rosewood; фр. santal, palissandra du… …   Справочник растений

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus — ID 68947 Symbol Key PTER Common Name barwood Family Fabaceae Category Dicot Division Magnoliophyta US Nativity Cultivated, or not in the U.S. US/NA Plant Yes State Distribution N/A Growth Habit N/A …   USDA Plant Characteristics

  • Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. — Symbol PTER Common Name barwood Botanical Family Fabaceae …   Scientific plant list

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