Annickia chlorantha is a medicinal tree species in the Annonaceae family. It grows up to 25 meters tall and is native to Nigeria and Cameroon, where it is widely used in traditional medicine—especially for the treatment of malaria and other diseases. Oil extracts from its stem bark and leaves, as well as those of its close relative Annickia affinis, have been extensively studied for pharmacological applications.
Note: The species is sometimes credited with the generic name Enantia chlorantha.
Taxonomy
The genus Annickia is named after Annickia Le Thomas and belongs to the Annonaceae family. It was formerly referred to as Enantia Oliv (1867). However, further taxonomic revision determined that Enantia was already a valid genus in the Sabiaceae family, first described by Falconer in 1842.
As a result, the genus name was revised in 1990, and Enantia Oliv was reclassified as Annickia. Both Annickia chlorantha and its relative Annickia affinis are closely related and often indistinguishable in traditional use. Many practitioners and researchers continue to use the older name Enantia chlorantha to refer to either or both species.
Description
- Leaf Blades: Papery to leathery (coriaceous), narrowly elliptical to obovate.
- Size: 7–28 cm long, 2–9.5 cm wide.
- Apex: Acuminate
- Base: Narrowly cuneate
- Surfaces:
- Adaxial (upper): Rarely pubescent, brown to grey-green (glossy dark green when fresh).
- Abaxial (lower): Bright brown to green (whitish to pale green when fresh), with bifid or trifid hairs pointing in all directions.
- Discolorous: The leaf surfaces differ in color and texture.
Distribution
Annickia chlorantha is found in:
- Southern Nigeria
- Cameroon
It thrives in lowland forests and along roadside environments.
Uses
The stem bark and occasionally the roots of Annickia chlorantha and Annickia affinis are traditionally used in decoctions to treat:
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
- Jaundice
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
These uses make it an important species in the ethnopharmacology of West and Central Africa.
References
(To be added based on scientific sources and research articles)