Mkani, Msambo

Allanblackia stuhlmannii

Physical Characteristics

Allanblackia stuhlmannii is an evergreen Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) by 35 m (114ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Birds, Bats. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern Africa - Tanzania.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil An edible non-drying fat, called Mkani fat, is obtained from the seed[ 46 ]. It is locally important[ 46 ], where it is used in cooking and has been used as a substitute for butter and cocoa butter[ 299 ]. Air-dried seeds contain about 50% fat[ 299 ]. The fatty acid composition of the fat is remarkable as it consists mainly of stearic acid (45 - 58%) and oleic acid (40 - 51%)[ 299 ]. Only traces of other fatty acids are present. Its composition and resulting high melting point (35c) makes the fat a valuable raw material that can be used without transformation to improve the consistency of margarines, cocoa butter substitutes and similar products[ 299 ]. Seeds are extracted from the fruits by crushing them between the hands and rubbing them clean. Traditionally, the seeds are dried and crushed; the resulting mass is mixed with water and boiled until the fat separates and floats to the surface from where it is scooped off[ 299 ]. The fruit's slimy jelly-like pulp can be used in jam making[ 299 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic In traditional medicine, the leaves are chewed to treat cough, while the leaves, bark and roots are used to treat impotence[ 299 , 398 ]. A seed extract is rubbed in to treat rheumatism[ 299 ]. The fat is applied as a liniment on aching joints, wounds and rashes and small quantities are taken orally to treat rheumatism[ 299 , 398 ]. The fat, mixed with the pounded seeds of Psorospermum febrifugum, is rubbed on deep cracks in the soles of the feet[ 299 ]. Guttiferone F, a prenylated benzophenone, has been isolated from the wood of the roots[ 299 ]. The compound is related to a group of compounds that has been investigated for its anti-HIV properties[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known