Entada africana

Entada africana

NAME: Entada africana

FAMILY: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

COMMON NAMES: African dream herb, African dream bean, Monkey ladder

LOCAL NAMES: Uyai (Nigeria), Arupe (Cameroon), Gbongwé (Côte d'Ivoire)

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Entada africana is a large, woody vine that can reach impressive lengths, often exceeding 50 meters. It has a thick, woody stem with rough bark. The leaves are compound, composed of numerous leaflets that are oval or lanceolate in shape, measuring about 5-12 centimeters long. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually white or pale yellow in color. The plant produces large, flat, and woody seed pods that are usually curved and can reach lengths of up to 1 meter. These pods contain large, flat, and brown seeds, which are enclosed in a fibrous, papery covering.

USEFUL PART(s): The seeds and bark of Entada africana are the most commonly used parts.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Entada africana has long been regarded as a sacred plant in African cultures. The large seeds, known as "dream seeds," are used as talismans and amulets for protection, good luck, and to enhance dreaming experiences.

  2. Medicinal Purposes: Various parts of Entada africana have been used in traditional medicine. The bark is used to treat fever, malaria, and digestive disorders. The seeds are believed to possess aphrodisiac properties and are used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and infertility.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Entada africana is native to tropical regions of Africa. It is found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Similar to other plants, Entada africana appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its leaves. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, particularly the red and blue wavelengths, while reflecting the green wavelengths, giving the plant its characteristic green color. This green pigment plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, enabling them to synthesize glucose and produce oxygen.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Entada africana has several environmental benefits. As a large vine, it provides valuable habitat for various climbing and arboreal species, contributing to biodiversity. Its dense foliage offers shade and protection to other plant species, helping to create microhabitats. Additionally, the plant's deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, promoting soil health and stability.

FUN FACT: The seed pods of Entada africana are known for their exceptional size and buoyancy. They have been known to drift across oceans and wash ashore on distant beaches, earning them the nickname "sea hearts." Due to their robustness and ability to travel long distances by water, they have become objects of curiosity and have been used in traditional crafts and jewelry.

Further Reading:

  1. "Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties of Entada africana Guill. et Perr.: A Review." By A.T. Olajide and others.

  2. "Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Entada africana Guill. et Perr. (Mimosaceae) Extracts." By E. Fotsing and others.

  3. "The African Entada Species: Ethnobotany, Chemistry, and Biological Activities." By C.N. Ntie-Kang and others.