Scented Guarea

Leplaea cedrata

Physical Characteristics

Leplaea cedrata is an evergreen Tree growing to 45 m (147ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Guinea Bissau to Uganda, south to Angola and DR Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Kidney Leprosy The bark is used in traditional medicine. Bark decoctions or macerations are taken to treat stomach-ache, food poisoning and gonorrhoea, and used as a wash against kidney pain, bleeding after childbirth, rheumatism and leprosy[299 ]. An essential oil and limonoids, including dregeanin, have been isolated from the bark[299 ].

Known Hazards

The wood dust may cause irritation to the skin[299 ]. The bark is used locally as a fish poison[886 ].