Okoubaka tree

Okoubaka aubrevillei

Physical Characteristics

Okoubaka aubrevillei is a deciduous Tree growing to 23 m (75ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

West tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to Cameroon and DR Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidepressant Antidote Antifungal Leprosy Skin Tonic The bark is widely used as a medicine in west Africa and is also exported to Europe and other countries. It is particularly employed in the treatment of skin disorders and poisoning. Six different catechins have been isolated from the bark, including (+)-catechin and (+)-gallocatechin, as well as_-sitosterol and stigmasterol[299 ]. The bark has antimicrobial and immunostimulating properties that are attributed to phenolic compounds[299 ]. A macerate of the bark is used in the treatment of tachycardia[299 ]. The bark is used in phytotherapeutic medicine in the Western world. Its main applications are for stomach upsets caused by poisoning and to boost the system in cases of tiredness, depression and allergies[299 ]. Skin problems, including those caused by syphilis and leprosy, are treated by washing with, or bathing in a macerate or infusion of the bark in water[299 ]. External application of bark preparations is also practised to counteract poisoning[299 ]. A bark macerate is taken as a vapour bath or as nose drops to cure oedema[299 ]. In a compress it is used to disperse haematomas[299 ]. A wooden tool is traditionally used for the removal of the bark, and under no circumstances is a metal implement used[299 ].

Known Hazards

The bark is used as a fish poison[299 ].