Xylopia acutiflora (Dunal.) A. Rich is a small tree that grows up to 15 m high, it belongs to the
Annonaceae family.
Description
Brown pubescent twigs mixed with erect and short hairs. Leaf blades
chartaceous
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, concolorous - slightly discolorous, elliptic - elliptic-lanceolate, larger blades, 5.3 - 11.7 cm long and 2.3 - 4.3 cm wide; acute to acuminate at apex and
cuneate at base. Flowers are solitary
Fruit green - reddish tinged exterior, scarlet
endocarp, up to born on a pedicel. Seed, ovate- ellipsoid, monocarps have two rows of seed.
Distribution
Native to West Africa, found in lowland forests.
Uses
In Ghana and among the
Ehotile people of Akanland, root extracts from the species is used as a sexual stimulant and as a chewing stick.
Seeds are crushed and used as spice, wood obtained are used as material to make canoe paddles, spears or bows.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q15366855
Flora of West Tropical Africa
acutiflora