The taxonomy, reproductive biology and economic potential of Parkia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) in Africa and Madagascar

Abstract

The taxonomy, reproductive biology and economic potential of Parkia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae j in Africa and Madagascar. Three species of the pantropical woody genus Parkia are recognized from continental Africa (including SPo Tomtj, P . biglobosa, P . bicolor and P.Jilicoidea. A fourth species, P . madagascariensis, is confined to Madagascar. All have capitula of similar structure although details of shape vary. Relatives sharing this capitulum structure occur in the Far East and the Neotropics. Patterns of infraspecific variation are described for the mainland species. Parkiu biglobosa shows clinal variation in several leaf characters and P . clappertoniana must be regarded as synonymous. Parkia bicolor shows geographical variation especially in capitulum shapi and pod width, and P . Jilicoidea vanes geographically in its pod morphology. The red, balllike capitula are pollinated by bats; other visitors include birds, insects and non-flying mammals. In P . biglobosa a proportion of the capitula is functionally male. The pods of the African species contain mealy pulp. Dispersal involves mammals, especially primates, and birds. Information on uses, chemical composition of the seeds and insect pests is summarized.

Evaluation of Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Contents of <i>Parkia biglobosa</i> (L.) Flower

“…The capitulum measures 45-70mm long, 35-60mm in diameter and divided into two parts: apical ball and basal portion (Hopkins, 1983).…”

Comparative assessment of some physico-chemical properties of seed oils of Parkia biglobosa and Monodora myristica with some commercial oils

“…It grows in the savannah region of West Africa up to the southern edge of the Sahel zone 13°N (CampbellPlatt, 1980). These trees are not normally cultivated but can be seen in population of two or more in the savannah region of Ghana (Hopkins, 1983). The locust beans are the mature seeds that come from the parkia pods.…”

Characterization of Proanthocyanidins from Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don. (Fabaceae) by Flow Injection Analysis — Electrospray Ionization Ion Trap Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

“…Its natural distribution extends from Senegal and Guinea in Western Africa eastwards to Uganda [2]. The fermented seed (known as dawadawa or soumbala) is a popular, protein-rich condiment in many Western African countries [3,4].…”