Tetrapleura tetraptera

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Tetrapleura tetraptera-NMNH-13158020
Tetrapleura tetraptera MHNT.BOT.2017.10.22
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Tetrapleura tetraptera (Prekese)

Tetrapleura tetraptera is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the Aidan tree or Prekese in Ghana. The plant is native to West Africa and is widely used for its medicinal properties and as a spice in traditional African cuisine.

Description[edit | edit source]

Tetrapleura tetraptera is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters in height. The tree has a spreading crown and a trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is greyish-brown and smooth, but it becomes rough and scaly with age. The leaves are bipinnate, with each leaf consisting of several pairs of leaflets.

The flowers of Tetrapleura tetraptera are small, greenish-yellow, and fragrant. They are borne in clusters and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is a large, dark brown pod that is quadrangular in shape, measuring up to 25 cm in length. The pod contains several seeds embedded in a sweet, aromatic pulp.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Culinary[edit | edit source]

The dried fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera is used as a spice in West African cuisine. It is particularly popular in Nigeria and Ghana, where it is used to flavor soups and stews. The fruit has a sweet, pungent aroma and a slightly bitter taste.

Medicinal[edit | edit source]

Tetrapleura tetraptera is widely used in traditional African medicine. The fruit, bark, and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension. The plant is also believed to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Tetrapleura tetraptera is typically grown from seeds. The seeds are soaked in water for several hours before planting to enhance germination. The tree prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of soil types.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD