Flacourtia flavescens

NAME: Flacourtia flavescens

FAMILY: Salicaceae

COMMON NAMES: Yellow-Flowered Flacourtia, Ramontchi

LOCAL NAMES: Akoire, Ako-ire Mbamiri

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Flacourtia flavescens is a small to medium-sized tree belonging to the family Salicaceae. It has a rounded crown and reaches heights of up to 15 meters. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical with serrated margins. The tree produces small, fragrant yellow flowers that are followed by spherical or ovoid fruits. The fruits are initially green but turn yellow when ripe, and they contain numerous small seeds.

USEFUL PART(s): The fruits and leaves of Flacourtia flavescens are the most commonly used parts of the plant.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Culinary Uses: The ripe fruits of Flacourtia flavescens are edible and have a sweet and slightly acidic taste. They can be consumed fresh or used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and sauces.

  2. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, various parts of Flacourtia flavescens are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory ailments, and skin infections. The leaves are often used in the form of infusions or poultices.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Flacourtia flavescens is native to Southeast Asia and is found in countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is also cultivated in certain regions for its fruits.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Flacourtia flavescens, like other plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells that absorbs sunlight and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Flacourtia flavescens can have positive environmental impacts. As a tree species, it contributes to the overall green cover, provides shade, and offers habitat for various animals. Additionally, the fruits of Flacourtia flavescens are a food source for birds and other wildlife.

FUN FACT: The fruits of Flacourtia flavescens are highly prized in some regions for their flavor and are used in the production of unique beverages, such as fruit wines and liqueurs.

Further Reading: For more information on Flacourtia flavescens, you may refer to the following sources:

  1. [Example Source 1