Lophira lanceolata, commonly known as the dwarf red ironwood,[2] is a species of tree in the family Ochnaceae which is native to tropical West and Central Africa. The timber is used for heavy construction, an edible oil can be extracted from the seeds and various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine.
Lophira lanceolata is a small deciduous tree growing to a height of 16 m (52 ft) or more. The tree has a narrow crown and steeply ascending branches, and forms suckers readily.[1] The trunk is usually unbranched to around 8 m (26 ft) and can reach a diameter of about 70 cm (28 in). The bark is grey and corky, coming away in coarse flakes. The leaves are clustered at the end of the twigs. They are alternate, narrowly oblong, simple and entire, with rounded or notched apexes. The new foliage is pink or red at first. The inflorescence take the form of a loose panicle at the end of the shoot. The individual flowers are bisexual, scented and white, with parts in fives. This is followed by a partially woody, conical achene surrounded by a winged calyx, containing a single, large seed.[2] The tree is very similar to the closely related Lophira alata but is smaller, has narrower leaves with longer stalks, and larger seeds.[3]
Lophira lanceolata is found in tropical West and Central Africa, its range extending from Senegal to Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It grows at altitudes of up to around 1,500 m (5,000 ft) on wooded savanna, particularly on the edges of larger forested areas where it may grow thickly. Established trees are tolerant of wildfires but saplings are likely to be damaged.[2]
The timber of this tree is dense and is used in bridge building and other heavy construction work, and for tool-making. It burns well as firewood and can be used to make charcoal. The fragrant flowers are attractive to honey bees. The seeds can be eaten, but are mainly used for extraction of a vegetable oil called "meni oil" which is used in the manufacture of foodstuffs, soap and cosmetics. The foliage is used as fodder for livestock and in Cameroon, edible caterpillars are cultivated on the leaves.[2] The seed oil, leaves, sap, bark and roots have multiple uses in traditional medicine.[2]
Lophira lanceolata, commonly known as the dwarf red ironwood, is a species of tree in the family Ochnaceae which is native to tropical West and Central Africa. The timber is used for heavy construction, an edible oil can be extracted from the seeds and various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine.
Lophira lanceolata est une espèce de plantes de la famille des Ochnaceae et du genre Lophira, présente en Afrique tropicale[2].
C'est un arbre de 10 à 15 m[2](occasionnellement 24 m[3]) de hauteur, à écorce liégeuse et fleurs blanches. Les fruits, d'une taille de 2 cm, sont plus larges que ceux de Lophira alata[2].
L. lanceolata et L. alata, différentes d'aspect et d'habitat, sont néanmoins deux espèces botaniquement très proches[4], c'est pourquoi on les distingue difficilement dans un herbier, sauf par leurs rameaux, lisses chez L. alata et écailleux liégeux chez L. lanceolata[3].
L'espèce est présente en Afrique tropicale, en Sierra Leone et au Cameroun, au Gabon et en république démocratique du Congo[2]. En gbaya elle est connue sous le nom "kofia".
On la rencontre dans la savane arborée, à une altitude généralement comprise entre 530 (voire moins) et 1 100 m. C'est l'une des premières espèces de retour après un récent déboisement[2].
Les graines fournissent une huile comestible[3]. On s'en sert aussi pour fabriquer du savon et des lubrifiants[5].
Le bois est très dur, dense, très résistant. On l'utilise localement dans la construction. C'est aussi un excellent bois de chauffe et une bonne source de charbon de bois[5].
Les différentes parties de la plante connaissent de multiples utilisations en médecine traditionnelle[6]. De nombreux travaux de recherche leur sont consacrés[7], qui ont confirmé la présence de composés actifs.
Lophira lanceolata est une espèce de plantes de la famille des Ochnaceae et du genre Lophira, présente en Afrique tropicale.
Lophira lanceolata là một loài thực vật có hoa trong họ Ochnaceae. Loài này được Tiegh. ex Keay mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1901.[1]
Bài viết họ Mai vàng này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Lophira lanceolata là một loài thực vật có hoa trong họ Ochnaceae. Loài này được Tiegh. ex Keay mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1901.
