Hannoa (Hannoa undulata)
Hannoa undulata Tree: Botany, Distribution, and Traditional Uses
Adapted to the drier savannas and transitional woodlands of tropical Africa, Hannoa undulata displays distinctive wavy-margined leaflets that characterize its foliage. This hardy tree spans across the Sahelian zone from Senegal eastward to Sudan and Uganda. Local communities frequently utilize its bitter bark and light wood for various domestic and medicinal purposes.
Taxonomy
- β ΡΠ°ΡΡΡΠ²ΠΎ Plantae
- β division Tracheophytes
- β subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- β Angiosperms
- β mesangiosperms
- β eudicots
- β Superrosids
- β rosids
- β malvids
- β order Sapindales
- β family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- β genus Hannoa (Hannoa Tree)
- β species Hannoa undulata (Hannoa)
Morphology
Hannoa undulata grows as a medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 10 to 20 meters. It features a rounded crown and a trunk covered in thick, corky bark that provides resistance against savanna fires. The pinnate leaves consist of several pairs of leaflets with characteristic wavy or undulate margins.
Its small, yellowish-white flowers are arranged in branched terminal panicles. The fruits are ovoid drupes that ripen to a dark purple or black color, each housing a single seed.
Applications
The soft wood of this species is locally carved into domestic utensils, bowls, and light furniture. Traditional healers use decoctions of the bark, leaves, and roots to treat parasitic infections, fevers, and digestive ailments.
Interesting facts
- The specific epithet undulata refers to the distinctively wavy margins of its leaflets, which helps distinguish it from related species.
- Like other members of the Simaroubaceae family, the plant contains bitter active ingredients that have attracted scientific interest for their potential therapeutic properties.
Geography of distribution
- Senegal
- Nigeria
- Mali
- Burkina Faso
- Uganda
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)