Tree Directory

Common Name

Big-fruited Pterygota

Family

Lythraceae

Origin & Distribution

Native to West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone to Cameroon and extending into parts of Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Found in lowland tropical rainforests and moist semi-deciduous forests.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-026

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.457238, 3.895108

QR Code

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Description

Large, deciduous, or semi-deciduous tree reaching 30–45 m in height; straight cylindrical bole often unbranched for up to 25 m; trunk diameter 1–2 m. Bark grey to pale brown, smooth when young but becoming slightly rough with age; exudes a watery sap when cut. Leaves large, simple, alternate, broadly ovate to heart-shaped, 15–40 cm long, leathery with prominent veins. Flowers small, greenish-yellow to cream, in clusters; unisexual but occurring on the same tree (monoecious). Fruits large, woody, winged capsules (up to 20–30 cm long), splitting to release numerous flat seeds with wings for wind dispersal.

Ecological Information

Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils in humid lowland forest zones. Seeds dispersed by wind due to their papery wings. Plays an ecological role as a canopy species, providing habitat for birds, insects, and arboreal mammals.

Uses & Importance

Timber: Light to medium-weight wood used for plywood, furniture, interior joinery, and canoes. Traditional Uses: Bark and leaves sometimes used in herbal remedies. Shade/Ornamental: Occasionally planted as a shade tree in large compounds and institutional gardens. Environmental: Contributes to carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.