Camwood, Baphia

Baphia nitida

Physical Characteristics

Baphia nitida is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western Tropical Africa - Senegal to Gabon.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Edible portion: Seeds. The seeds are edible[ 299 ].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Antifungal Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Cardiac Epilepsy Haemostatic Laxative Skin Camwood has long been used in traditional African medicine. Modern research has shown that several medically active compounds are present in the leaves, including saponins, flavonoid glycosides and true tannins[ 299 ]. An ointment made from the leaves has shown anti-inflammatory activity, supported the external use in traditional medicine. Extracts of fresh leaves inhibited digestion, showed antidiarrhoeal effects and also demonstrated analgesic activity[ 299 ]. An infusion of the leaves is drunk to cure enteritis and other gastrointestinal problems[ 299 ]. The powdered leaves are taken with palm wine or food to cure venereal diseases[ 299 ]. Combined with Senna occidentalis, it is drunk against asthma; in combination with the leaves of Morinda lucida it is a treatment against female sterility and painful menstruation[ 299 ]. A decoction of the leaves is taken against jaundice and diabetes[ 299 ]. The leaves have also been used as an enema to treat constipation[ 299 ]. The leaves or leaf juice are used externally against parasitic skin diseases[ 299 ]. Combined with Cissus quadrangularis, it is used to treat bone fractures[ 299 ]. Both leaves and bark are considered haemostatic and anti-inflammatory, and are used for healing sores and wounds[ 299 ]. A bark decoction is drunk to cure epilepsy and cardiac pain[ 299 ]. The powdered heartwood is made into an ointment with shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) and is applied to stiff and swollen joints, sprains and rheumatic complaints[ 299 ]. Finely ground root bark, mixed with honey, is taken against asthma[ 299 ]. The pounded dried root, mixed with water and oil, is applied to a ringworm-like fungus attacking the feet[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known