In this post, we’ve compiled a list of trees commonly found in different parts of Nigeria along with their botanical names and uses.
Mountain fig
Botanical name
Ficus glumosa (Moraceae)
Uses
- One of the beneficial parts of this tree is the root. The juice from this root can be used to treat cough and conditions like difficulty in breathing.
- The bark can also be boiled and used to treat diarrhea.
Bush fig
Botanical name
Ficus sur (Moraceae)
Uses
- The leaves are used as fodder for livestock
- The roots can also be boiled with potash and used to treat intestinal worms
Sycamore
Botanical name
Ficus sycamorus (Moraceae)
Uses
- The leaves can be used to make traditional soups. They can also be used to treat jaundice
- The fruits are also edible
- The latex can be used in treating cough
- The root can be used as a purgative
Gmelina tree
It is most common exotic tree in the country.
Botanical name
Gmelina arborea (Verbenaceae)
Uses
- The leaves can be used as fodder to livestock
- Gmelina can be used as a source of timber
- The trees can also serve as windbreaks in windy areas
- It can also be used for a wide variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, dysentery, food poisoning, menstrual pain, chicken pox and small pox.
Jan yaro (Fulafulfulde)
Botanical name
Hymenocardia acida (Hymenocardiaceae)
Uses
- The root can be boiled and used as aphrodisiacs in men. It can also be used to give mental strength
- The fresh bark can be used as poultice on abscesses and tumours
- The ripe fruit has been known to cure deafness
Mahogany
Botanical name
Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae)
Uses
- The bark can be soaked in water and ingested to clear intestinal worms in both humans and animals
- The pounded bark can also be used to treat bile disease in cattles
- The oil from the seed can be used to treat arthritis and skin rashes.
- Also, the decoction from the bark can be used to treat certain heart diseases
- The latex from the bark can also be used to cure ear pain
Bakin faru
Botanical name (Family)
Lannea acida (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
- The boiled bark can be used as a treatment for pile. Also the infusion from the bark can be used to treat stomach troubles
- The root bark can be used to treat skin infection
- The kernel of this tree can be used as purgative
- The leaves can be used as an astringent and remedy for tooth ache
Mango
Botanical name (Family)
Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
- The fruit juice can be taken to treat jaundice
- The boiled bark and leaves can be used to treat fever
- The decoction from the fresh leaves can be used to treat diarrhoea
Moringa (Zogale)
Botanical name (Family)
Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae)
Uses
- The root is used in the treatment of epilepsy and convulsions
- The seeds can also be used for water purification
- The barks and leaves have antimicrobial properties
- The leaf juice can be applied to the eyes to treat eye problems
African peach
Botanical name (Family)
Nauclea latifolia (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
- The root can be boiled in potash to treat gonorrhea. It can also be used to treat stomach upset.
- The boiled leaves can also be used as a purgative.
Cashew
Botanical name (Family)
Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
- The cashew nuts are edible
Jako, jako is an herbaceous plants I ife at oranmiyan staff shrine. It has disappeared now. How can one identify and regenerate.
please do you know the botanical and common name of igi ofe
Please what is the botanical name for “Arara or Apepe” (both are in Yoruba language)?
Pls I need the English name of these Nigeria trees for my research work. Somi,Omo,Awun,Tick(thick),Melina. I’m not really sure of the spellings.
Thanks.
Teak (Tectona grandis) and Gmelina (Gmelina arborea)
It iis advisable tо pprune the tree onerous tо make
іt simply accessible and straightforward t᧐ harvest tһe fruit
and leaves.
mention 50 nigerian timber species with their trade and names botanical names
well ask google
pls what is yoruba name or nigeria name for willow bark
I recharged through StarTimes #120 Recharge Card to my SmartCard Number 02146008566 since yesterday, but the operation failed.kindly assist me.
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