Scorodophloeus zenkeri

Family

Caesalpiniaceae (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae)

Synonyms

Vernacular names

Garlic tree, divida (En). Arbre à ail, divida (Fr).

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Origin and geographic distribution

Scorodophloeus zenkeri is distributed in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo and Cabinda (Angola).

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Uses

The wood, traded as ‘divida’, is suitable for poles and piles in construction, flooring, joinery, mine props, ship building, vehicle bodies, furniture, railway sleepers, ladders, agricultural implements and tool handles. In DR Congo it is used for making charcoal.
The wood, bark, young leaves and seeds are locally used as condiments, giving a garlic-like taste to food. The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable after cooking.
In traditional medicine in Gabon, bark infusions are taken for the treatment of constipation. Mixed with chillies and bitter eggplant fruits, they are taken to cure colds and cough. The bark is used in fumigations against rheumatism, and the pounded bark is taken for the treatment of headache. In Congo bark decoctions are drunk, used in vapour baths or sitz baths, or vaginally administered for the treatment of bronchitis and genito-urinary problems and as an aphrodisiac. In DR Congo they are applied in an enema against the complications of measles, whereas decoctions of the bark or leaves are used as an urinary antiseptic and are drunk as anthelmintic. The bark administered as an enema is a purgative, and a maceration of the inner bark is drunk for the same purpose. Bark macerations are also used for wound care, taken for the treatment of an enlarged spleen and used in nasal instillations against headache. Unspecified bark preparations are used for the treatment of hernia.

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Production and international trade

The wood is only used locally and not traded on the international market. The bark and seeds are sold on markets in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and DR Congo.

Properties

The heartwood is yellowish with purplish brown streaks, the sapwood is white. The grain is often irregular or interlocked, texture fine. The wood has an attractive figure. It emits a garlic-like smell.
The wood is heavy, with a density of 765–930 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content. It has a tendency to distort and check during drying, and mild kiln-drying schedules must be used. The shrinkage rates are high, from green to oven dry 6.0% radial and 10.1–12.0% tangential. Once dry, the wood is unstable in service. At 12% moisture content, the modulus of rupture is 130–199 N/mm², modulus of elasticity 13,800–17,100 N/mm², compression parallel to grain 59–90 N/mm², shear 10.5–15.5 N/mm², cleavage 23–26 N/mm and Chalais-Meudon side hardness 6.3–8.0.
The wood is difficult to work and tends to pick up during planing. It takes a good polish and turns well. It splits easily upon nailing, making pre-boring necessary. It glues satisfactorily. The wood is durable, being resistant to fungal attack but liable to termite attack. The sapwood is susceptible to Lyctus attacks.
Wood fibres of a sample from DR Congo were on average (0.70–)1.26(–1.74) mm long and (11–)20(–33) μm wide, with a cell wall thickness of (1–)5(–11.5) μm and a lumen width of (2–)10(–25.5) μm. The wood contains 42–51.5% cellulose, 29–33% lignin, 11–17% pentosan, 0.7–0.8% ash and little silica. The solubility is 1.2–1.6% in alcohol-benzene, 0.9–1.6% in hot water and 12.5–14.7% in a 1% NaOH solution. Pulping experiments gave paper of mediocre quality only.
The garlic-like scent and taste of the bark and other plant parts is due to the presence of sulphur containing compounds. The main constituents of essential oil from the bark are 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane, 2,3,5-trithiahexane, 2,3,4,6-tetrathiaheptane and 2,4,5,6,8-pentathianonane.
Essential oil from the bark and several of its constituents have shown activity against various fungi and bacteria. Methanol extracts of the bark and, to a lesser extent, the seeds have shown anti-oxidant activity. Stem bark extracts have shown in-vitro antiprotozoal activity against Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania infantum, without showing cytotoxicity. The powdered stem bark has shown a dose-dependent protective effect against damage to stored beans by the bean beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus. Seeds from DR Congo contained 12.1% fat, with as main constituents palmitic acid (49%) and oleic acid (46%).

Description

Medium-sized to large tree up to 40 m tall; bole branchless for up to 25 m, straight and cylindrical but sometimes irregular, up to 100 cm in diameter, without buttresses but fluted at base; bark surface initially smooth, later scaly, yellowish grey, inner bark brittle, yellowish; all plant parts, but especially the bark, with a garlic-like scent. Leaves alternate, imparipinnately or paripinnately compound with (3–)5–10 pairs of leaflets; stipules free, linear-lanceolate, caducous; petiole and rachis together up to 10 cm long, grooved, slightly winged; leaflets alternate, sessile, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 1.5–5.5 cm × 0.5–2.5 cm, base obliquely truncate, apex rounded or obtuse, margins entire, finely hairy below, pinnately veined. Inflorescence an axillary or terminal, dense raceme 5–8 cm long, hairy; bracts linear-lanceolate, 4–5 mm long. Flowers bisexual, nearly regular; pedicel 1–7 mm long, with in the lower half 2 caducous bracteoles 2–3 mm long; sepals 4, free, ovate or oblong, 4–6 mm × 2–3.5 mm, reflexed; petals 5, free, nearly equal, obovate, 7–11 mm × 2–3 mm, hairy at margins, white; stamens 10, free, alternating longer and shorter, 1–2 cm long; ovary superior, ellipsoid, hairy, with distinct stipe, 1-celled, style c. 1 cm long. Fruit an oblong pod 7.5–14 cm × 3–5 cm, flattened, with 0.5–1 cm long stipe, pointed at apex, smooth, brown, dehiscent with 2 curling valves, 1–2-seeded. Seeds ovoid to disk-shaped, c. 2 cm in diameter, flattened, shiny, brown. Seedling with epigeal germination; hypocotyl 1–4 cm long, epicotyl 4–14 cm long, hairy; cotyledons rather thin, green; first 2 leaves alternate with nearly opposite leaflets.

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Other botanical information

Scorodophloeus comprises 3 species, and is restricted to tropical Africa.
Scorodophloeus fischeri (Taub.) J.Léonard (Swahili names: mgodoma, mhande) is a medium-sized tree up to 30 m tall, distributed in coastal forests in Kenya and Tanzania, possibly also in northern Mozambique. Its wood is used for poles in construction, furniture and tool handles. It is also used as firewood. Twigs are used for tying. Root decoctions are taken as anthelmintic. The flowers are visited by honey bees. Scorodophloeus torrei Lock is a shrub or small to medium-sized tree up to 20 m tall, endemic to coastal forest and thickets in Mozambique.

Anatomy

Wood-anatomical description (IAWA hardwood codes):
Growth rings: 2: growth ring boundaries indistinct or absent. Vessels: 5: wood diffuse-porous; 13: simple perforation plates; 22: intervessel pits alternate; 23: shape of alternate pits polygonal; 25: intervessel pits small (4–7 μm); 29: vestured pits; 30: vessel-ray pits with distinct borders; similar to intervessel pits in size and shape throughout the ray cell; 42: mean tangential diameter of vessel lumina 100–200 μm; 47: 5–20 vessels per square millimetre; 58: gums and other deposits in heartwood vessels. Tracheids and fibres: 61: fibres with simple to minutely bordered pits; 66: non-septate fibres present; 69: fibres thin- to thick-walled; 70: fibres very thick-walled. Axial parenchyma: (76: axial parenchyma diffuse); 78: axial parenchyma scanty paratracheal; 79: axial parenchyma vasicentric; (83: axial parenchyma confluent); 85: axial parenchyma bands more than three cells wide; 86: axial parenchyma in narrow bands or lines up to three cells wide; 89: axial parenchyma in marginal or in seemingly marginal bands; 93: eight (5–8) cells per parenchyma strand. Rays: 97: ray width 1–3 cells; 104: all ray cells procumbent; (106: body ray cells procumbent with one row of upright and/or square marginal cells); 115: 4–12 rays per mm; 116: ≥ 12 rays per mm. Mineral inclusions: 136: prismatic crystals present; 137: prismatic crystals in upright and/or square ray cells; 138: prismatic crystals in procumbent ray cells; 142: prismatic crystals in chambered axial parenchyma cells.
(S. N’Danikou, P.E. Gasson & E.A. Wheeler)

Growth and development

Seedling growth is fast. The tree has a deep taproot.

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Ecology

Scorodophloeus zenkeri occurs in mixed evergreen forest on well-drained localities. It does not tolerate waterlogging. It is locally common and sometimes gregarious.

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Propagation and planting

Scorodophloeus zenkeri is easily propagated from seed. Seeds can be sown in nursery beds at a depth of 2–3 cm, in loose and deep soil. Germination is usually rapid, and the germination rate high. Seedlings have been planted out when they were 2–3 years old and 1.5–2 m tall; the use of supports for seedlings has been recommended. Seeds can also be sown directly in the field.

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Management

In forest near Kisangani in DR Congo, Scorodophloeus zenkeri is the most abundant tree species with an average density of 23 trees with a bole diameter of more than 10 cm per ha. In forest in Gabon, a mean wood volume of 0.4 m³/ha has been reported. In Cameroon trees are protected when forest land is cleared, and the species is sometimes planted in coffee and cacao plantations, for which wildlings or seedlings from nurseries are used. Seedlings can be pruned and lopped to obtain stout boles and straight branches, which will make harvesting of the bark easier.

Harvesting

The bark is harvested throughout the year, mainly by women. Staggered removal of bark pieces, for instance every 2–3 years, gives thick bark of good quality. Often, however, too much bark is removed, resulting in the death of the tree.

Handling after harvest

Before being used as condiments, the seeds and bark are dried and ground into powder or paste.

Genetic resources and breeding

Although Scorodophloeus zenkeri is locally overexploited, it is currently not considered a threatened species.

Prospects

The wood of Scorodophloeus zenkeri is heavy, hard and durable, but difficult to work and unstable in service, and very little information is available on its uses. The tree is a popular source of garlic-like condiments, obtained from various plant parts. As the species is locally overexploited, it may be worthwhile to promote its planting. It is considered to have potential for planting in tree plantations as well as in crop fields, because it has a deep root system and its open crown does not give too much shade.

Major references

• Agbor, G.A., Oben, J.E., Ngogang, J.Y., Xinxing, C. & Vinson, J.A., 2005. Antioxidant capacity of some herbs/spices from Cameroon: a comparative study of two methods. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 53(17): 6819–6824.
• Aubréville, A., 1970. Légumineuses - Césalpinioidées (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae). Flore du Cameroun. Volume 9. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France. 339 pp.
• Bolza, E. & Keating, W.G., 1972. African timbers: the properties, uses and characteristics of 700 species. Division of Building Research, CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia. 710 pp.
• Dupriez, H. & De Leener, P., 1989. African gardens and orchards, growing vegetables and fruits. MacMillan Press, London, United Kingdom. 333 pp.
• Eyog Matig, O., Ndoye, O., Kengue, J. & Awono, A. (Editors), 2006. Les fruitiers forestiers comestibles du Cameroun. IPGRI Regional Office for West and Central Africa, Cotonou, Benin. 204 pp.
• Kouokam, J.C., Jahns, T. & Becker, H., 2002. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and some isolated sulfur-rich compounds from Scorodophloeus zenkeri. Planta Medica 88(12): 1082–1087.
• Kouokam, J.C., Zapp, J. & Becker, H., 2001. Isolation of new alkylthiosulfides from the essential oil and extracts from the bark of Scorodophloeus zenkeri Harms. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung, C 56(11–12): 1003–1007.
• Sallenave, P., 1955. Propriétés physiques et mécaniques des bois tropicaux de l’Union française. Centre Technique Forestier Tropical, Nogent-sur-Marne, France. 129 pp.
• Vivien, J. & Faure, J.J., 1985. Arbres des forêts denses d’Afrique Centrale. Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, Paris, France. 565 pp.
• Wilczek, R., Léonard, J., Hauman, L., Hoyle, A.C., Steyaert, R., Gilbert, G. & Boutique, R., 1952. Caesalpiniaceae. In: Robyns, W., Staner, P., Demaret, F., Germain, R., Gilbert, G., Hauman, L., Homès, M., Jurion, F., Lebrun, J., Vanden Abeele, M. & Boutique, R. (Editors). Flore du Congo belge et du Ruanda-Urundi. Spermatophytes. Volume 3. Institut National pour l’Étude Agronomique du Congo belge, Brussels, Belgium. pp. 234–554.

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Other references

• Allen, O.N. & Allen, E.K., 1981. The Leguminosae: a source book of characteristics, uses and nodulation. MacMillan, London, United Kingdom. 812 pp.
• Beentje, H.J., 1994. Kenya trees, shrubs and lianas. National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya. 722 pp.
• Brenan, J.P.M., 1967. Leguminosae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. In: Milne-Redhead, E. & Polhill, R.M. (Editors). Flora of Tropical East Africa. Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations, London, United Kingdom. 230 pp.
• Burgess, N.D. & Clarke, G.P., 2000. Coastal forests of Eastern Africa. IUCN, Gland, Swizerland. 443 pp.
• Fouarge, J., Quoilin, J. & Roosen, P., 1970. Essais physiques, mécaniques et de durabilité de bois de la République Démocratique du Congo. Série technique No 76. Institut National pour l’Etude Agronomique du Congo (INEAC), Brussels, Belgium. 40 pp.
• Istas, J.R., Raekelboom, E.L. & Heremans, R., 1959. Etude de quelques bois congolais. Série technique No 59. Institut National pour l’Etude Agronomique du Congo (INEAC), Brussels, Belgium. 183 pp.
• Kawukpa, U.U. & Angoyo, M.M., 1994. Plantes utiles chez les Batiabetuwa de l’Ile de Mbie, Kisangani, Zaire. African Study Monographs 15(2): 49–68.
• Konda ku Mbuta, Kabakura Mwima, Mbembe Bitengeli, Itufa Y'Okolo, Mahuku Kavuna, Mafuta Mandanga, Mpoyi Kalambayi, Ndemankeni Izamajole, Kadima Kazembe, Kelela Booto, Ngiuvu Vasaki, Bongombola Mwabonsika & Dumu Lody, 2010. Plantes médicinales de traditions. Province de l'Equateur - R.D. Congo. Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (I.R.S.S.), Kinshasa, D.R.Congo. 418 pp.
• Koona, P., Ghogomu, R., Koona, O.E.S., Ngando, G. & Noutsa, J., 2007. The use of powder from the stem bark of Scorodophloeus zenkeri Harms for the prevention of damage to stored beans by Acanthoscelides obtectus Say. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Applied Sciences Research 3(5): 329–332.
• Lovett, J.C., Ruffo, C.K., Gereau, R.E. & Taplin, J.R.D., 2007. Field Guide to the moist forest trees of Tanzania. Frontier Publishing, United Kingdom. 303 pp.
• Mukaya, M., Ngiefu, K., Kyela, M., Diyi, L., Lumu, M. & Mampasi, M., 2003. Etude chromatographique de l’huile des graines de Scorodophloeus zenkeri Harms. Revue de Médecines et Pharmacopées Africaines 17: 35–40.
• Musuyu Muganza, D., Fruth, B.I., Nzunzu Lami, J., Mesia, G.K., Kambu, O.K., Tona, G.L., Cimanga Kanyanga, R., Cos, P., Maes, L., Apers, S. & Pieters, L., 2012. In vitro antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activity of 33 ethonopharmacologically selected medicinal plants from Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (in press; doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.035).
• Neuwinger, H.D., 2000. African traditional medicine: a dictionary of plant use and applications. Medpharm Scientific, Stuttgart, Germany. 589 pp.
• Pakia, M. & Cooke, J.A., 2003. The ethnobotany of the Midzichenda tribes of the coastal forest areas in Kenya: 1. General perspective and non-medicinal plant uses. South African Journal of Botany 69(3): 370–381.
• Raponda-Walker, A. & Sillans, R., 1961. Les plantes utiles du Gabon. Paul Lechevalier, Paris, France. 614 pp.
• Sindani, K. & Ndjele, M., 1982. Etude de la carbonisation de quelques essences forestières de la région de Kisangani, Zaïre. Bulletin de la Société Royale de Botanique de Belgique 115(2): 228–230.
• Takahashi, A., 1978. Compilation of data on the mechanical properties of foreign woods (part 3) Africa. Shimane University, Matsue, Japan. 248 pp.
• Temu, R.P.C., 1990. Seedling morphology, wood anatomy and notes on the distribution of Scorodophloeus fischeri (Taub.) J. Léonard (African Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae). Bulletin du Jardin Botanique National de Belgique 60(1–2): 213–222.
• Termote, C., Van Damme, P. & Dhed’a Djailo, B., 2010. Eating from the wild: Turumbu indigenous knowledge on noncultivated edible plants, Tshopo District, DR Congo. Ecology of Food and Nutrition 49(3): 173–207.
• Weiss, E.A., 1973. Some indigenous trees and shrubs used by local fishermen on the East African coast. Economic Botany 27(2): 175–192.

Afriref references

Sources of illustration

• Aubréville, A., 1968. Légumineuses - Caesalpinioidées (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae). Flore du Gabon. Volume 15. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France. 362 pp.
• Wilks, C. & Issembé, Y., 2000. Les arbres de la Guinée Equatoriale: Guide pratique d’identification: région continentale. Projet CUREF, Bata, Guinée Equatoriale. 546 pp.

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Author(s)

•	M. Brink PROTA Network Office Europe, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 341, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands

Editors

•	R.H.M.J. Lemmens PROTA Network Office Europe, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 341, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands
•	D. Louppe CIRAD, Département Environnements et Sociétés, Cirad es-dir, Campus international de Baillarguet, TA C 105 / D (Bât. C, Bur. 113), 34398 Montpellier Cédex 5, France
•	A.A. Oteng-Amoako Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), University P.O. Box 63, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

Associate editors

•	E.A. Obeng Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), University P.O. Box 63, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

Photo editor

•	G.H. Schmelzer PROTA Network Office Europe, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 341, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands

Correct citation of this article

Brink, M., 2012. Scorodophloeus zenkeri Harms. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. Lemmens, R.H.M.J., Louppe, D. & Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands. <http://www.prota4u.org/search.asp>. Accessed .

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