| Margaritaria discoidea | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Phyllanthaceae |
| Tribe: | Phyllantheae |
| Subtribe: | Flueggeinae |
| Genus: | Margaritaria |
| Species: | M. discoidea |
| Binomial name | |
| Margaritaria discoidea (Baill.) G.L.Webster |
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| Synonyms | |
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Margaritaria discoidea is a tree in the Phyllanthaceae family, commonly known as the Pheasant-berry, Egossa Red Pear or Bushveld Peacock-berry. These trees are native to the warmer, higher rainfall areas of Africa.
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This species has a complicated taxonomic history with many synonyms (see taxobox); partially because of its morphological variability. These trees were formerly placed in the genus Phyllanthus and in the Euphorbiaceae family. 4 varieties are now recognized (1981), these having in the past been treated variously as distinct species, subspecies or synonymous with typical M. discoidea.[2] In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, there are 3 varieties:[3]
This species is distributed from the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape,[3] South Africa, to Tropical Africa,[3][4] as far as Senegal in West Africa.[4]
A medium to tall tree in forest and riverine situations,[3] where it can grow up to 30 m tall,[5] or a shrub or small tree in dryer and more open situations.[3] The stem is usually straight with rough, flaking bark which is grayish-brown on top and reddish beneath.[6][7][3] The branches of young trees grow horizontally from the stem.[3] The leaves are alternate and produced on one plane. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees, with both types of flowers being small, greenish-yellow in colour,[3] and fragrant.[8] The fruit is a three-lobed capsule about 10 mm in diameter and golden-brown when ripe.[3] The inner part of the fruit is dark metallic blue-green;[6] giving rise to the name Bushveld Peacock-berry.
These trees contain many alkaloids including phylochrysine (a central nervous system stimulant) and securinine.[9][10][4] Oral administration of an aqueous extract at various concentrations showed no acute toxicity in rats and no adverse change in behavior; suggesting that it may be safe for pharmacological uses.[5] The aqueous extract of M. discoidea stem bark was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models (rats): The extract reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine, and had a good analgesic effect, with the results comparable to those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in the study. [5]
These trees are used in traditional medicine across Africa: A leaf-decoction is taken in Ivory Coast for blennorrhoea and for poisoning,[11] while in Ubangi a decoction of roots and leafy twigs is also used for blennorrhoea[12] A wash of the decoction is a stimulant in case of general fatigue.[11] The bark is used as a purgative in West Africa and anthelmintic in Central Africa.[13][9] The Fula people use the bark for toothache, in the Central African Republic a decoction is used for post-partum pains, and in the Republic of Congo for stomach and kidney complaints and to facilitate parturition.[5] In Malawi the powdered bark extract is applied to swellings and inflammation for quick relief.[14]
The dried leaves can be used as a food supplement for sheep.[15]
The wood is hard and durable and the trees are fast growing from seed,[3] suggesting that this species may be suitable for agroforestry. The sap-wood is yellowish, and the heartwood is pinkish-white to brownish-red, hard, heavy, of medium texture, not difficult to work and is suitable for cabinetry; finishing smoothly and taking a fine polish.[8] The wood can be sawn into planks and used for ordinary building purposes.[8] These trees have been planted in mixed plantations, with a suggestion that they may have a rotation time of 40 to 60 years.[16]
Extracts from this plant can be used to kill ticks, including Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Amblyomma variegatum, and an application of a 50% concentrated oil extract on rabbit ears caused a complete inhibition of attachment by adult R. appendiculatus and A. variegatum for at least 4 days.[17] When applied on ticks on cattle in the field, the 50% oil extract induced 100% and 50% mortalities in adult R. appendiculatus and A. variegatum, respectively, by 2 days post-application.[17]
The leaves are eaten by the larvae of the Scarce Forest Emperor butterfly (Charaxes etesipe tavetensis).[6] The flowers are much visited by bees and other insects. The seeds are a relished food of guineafowl and francolin. Seed in Kenya have attracted Bushbuck.[18] M. discoidea is also eaten by Red Duiker.[19]