Flolape

savonette

Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth ex DC.
savonette
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Lonchocarpus sericeus, commonly known as savonette, is a tree species native to a wide range of regions across the Americas and Africa, including Brazil, Colombia, Angola, and several other countries. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, a large and diverse group of flowering plants commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family. This species is particularly found in riverbank and mangrove fringe habitats and is recognized for its ecological and economic importance.

Description

Lonchocarpus sericeus is a tree that thrives in moist and often swampy environments. It is characterized by its ability to grow along riverbanks and in the transitional zones of mangrove ecosystems. The species is known by several local names, such as dianza and mutala-menha in some regions of Angola. It is a valuable plant in traditional medicine and is also used for its timber, which is likely valued for its durability and utility in construction or other wood-based industries.

Habitat

This species is typically found in wetland and riparian habitats, including riverbanks and the edges of mangrove forests. These environments are often characterized by high humidity and water availability, which support the growth of trees adapted to such conditions. Lonchocarpus sericeus is particularly well-suited to these ecosystems, where it contributes to the structural and ecological diversity of the plant community.

Cultivation

While specific cultivation practices for Lonchocarpus sericeus are not widely documented, the species is likely propagated through seeds, as is common for many members of the Fabaceae family. It thrives in warm, humid climates and requires consistent moisture to flourish. Given its natural habitat, it is best suited for cultivation in areas with similar environmental conditions, such as tropical and subtropical regions with well-drained but moist soils.

Uses

Lonchocarpus sericeus has both medicinal and economic uses. It is employed in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties, though the specific ailments it is used to treat are not detailed in the available literature. Additionally, the tree is valued for its timber, which is used in construction and other wood-based industries. Its presence in local communities highlights its importance in both cultural and practical contexts.

Other common names

savonette

Distribution

BR · IN · Antioquia, Caldas, Chocó, Cundinamarca · Global · Cuenca de Río Claro · Angola · Bahamas · Benin · Bolivia · Brazil Northeast · Brazil North · Brazil Southeast · Brazil South · Brazil West-Central · Burkina · Cameroon · Colombia · Congo · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Republic · Equatorial Guinea · Gabon · Gambia · Ghana · Guinea-Bissau · Guinea · Gulf of Guinea Is. · Haiti · India

Synonyms

Lonchocarpus domingensisDalbergia domingensisCytisus majorRobinia latifoliaLonchocarpus sericeus subsp. sericeusRobinia sericeaLonchocarpus pyxidariusDerris sericeaLonchocarpus formosianusDalbergia macrophyllaLonchocarpus tomentosusLonchocarpus turpiniiLonchocarpus guineensisRobinia argentifloraPhilenoptera schimperiDalbergia guineensisLonchocarpus sericeus var. jamaicensisLonchocarpus albiflorusRobinia violaceaDalbergia formosianaMillettia speciosaRobinia mollis

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