Afzelia
Afzelia[edit | edit source]
Afzelia is a genus of plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family. This genus is notable for its large trees, which are primarily found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The wood of Afzelia species is highly valued for its durability and resistance to termites, making it a popular choice for construction and furniture.
Description[edit | edit source]
Afzelia species are large trees that can grow up to 35 meters in height. They have a straight trunk and a broad, spreading crown. The leaves are compound, with several pairs of leaflets arranged along a central stem. The flowers are typically large and showy, with a distinctive structure that is characteristic of the Fabaceae family.
The fruit of Afzelia is a pod, which contains several seeds. These seeds are often large and have a hard, protective coat. The seeds of some species, such as Afzelia africana, are used in traditional medicine and as a source of food in some cultures.
Distribution and Habitat[edit | edit source]
Afzelia species are found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. They typically grow in lowland rainforests, but can also be found in savanna and woodland areas. The trees prefer well-drained soils and are often found near rivers and streams.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The wood of Afzelia is highly prized for its strength and resistance to decay. It is commonly used in the construction of boats, bridges, and buildings. The wood is also used to make furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
In addition to its use as timber, Afzelia has several other uses. The seeds of some species are edible and are used in traditional dishes. The bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Conservation[edit | edit source]
Many species of Afzelia are threatened by habitat loss and over-exploitation. Deforestation and logging have reduced the populations of these trees in many areas. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations and to promote sustainable use of Afzelia resources.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD