Black Guarea

Leplaea thompsonii

Physical Characteristics

Leplaea thompsonii is an evergreen Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) 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

Western tropical Africa - Liberia to Cameroon, south to Gabon, Congo and DR Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Kidney Leprosy Purgative The bark is used in traditional medicine[299 ]. A decoction of the bark is applied as an enema to treat kidney pain, bleeding after childbirth, rheumatism and leprosy[299 ]. A bark maceration is taken as a strong purgative[299 ].

Known Hazards

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